Cancellation of Shout – Africa – Africa Day Boat Race – London of 25th May 2013
It is with a profound sense of sadness and regret that I here and now, have to inform you that the SHOUT-AFRICA hosted boat race event mooted for Saturday, 25th May 2013, will now alas, not be taking place. Given the interest and commitment to this undertaking that so many people have identified themselves with, I can understand it if you might feel deflated on now being made aware of this somewhat unwelcome news.
Before one continues, I need to bring to your attention that we have applied ourselves most vigorously in attempting to make this enterprise a profound and well-structured operation, one which once launched, may perhaps become a significant annual fixture on the socio-cultural and sporting calendar for both national Africans and those of African descent currently residing here in Britain. That I have to inform you, is still our expressed aim and by virtue of the fact that we are not willing to compromise on either our integrity nor the quality of what we wish to offer, we have despite all our attempts, not been able to launch the boat race and associated events this year in a manner that we could satisfy ourselves was fundamentally viable and in full accordance with our standards. Simply put, several significant sponsors who initially indicated to us assurances that they wished to play a part, have each elected at different stages over the last month and bending to the logic of their own desires, to pull out. This bitter blow has therefore left us with no further options given the available time frame at our disposal.
Not in any way to be daunted by this regretful state of affairs, we have taken on a more realistic and pragmatic outlook on the matter inasmuch as all that has transpired, all the effort, participation and interest of so many people has not and will not, go to waste. On the contrary, in effect it has soberly served to become something of a dress-rehearsal for the finely tuned event that we are now going to apply our energies to be bringing about in May 2014.
Sadly, but it must also be said with some understanding, there remains a wide-spread perception amongst many Africans that we are generally often incapable, of mounting undertakings in an organized, systematic way that merits quality. SHOUT-AFRICA, whilst cognizant of these views is never going to subject itself to this kind of criticism. For, if we cannot put forward something without value added cultural attachment and significance worthy of what we stand for and endorse, then we stay silent.
So, having stated the above, please let me take this opportunity to most sincerely thank you for your continued interest and commitment to date. We will, of course, be keeping you updated with our progress and developments in the not too distant future.
In the meantime,
Best wishes and yours warmly,
I remain,
Misheck Mberi
Director
SHOUT-AFRICA
