Amazing Race Steinbach to benefit kids’ camp and cancer support

Just like its network television inspiration, the Tim Hortons Brewed to Win Amazing Race event is set to run on Saturday. The event is entering its seventh season, with this being the second year where entry is open to teams from the community and not just local businesses.

“After setting up the pit stops around the city for the racers, hosts and onlookers kept asking us ‘Hey! how do we get involved in this?’” said event chairperson Jorge Sousa.

“We had to open it up to meet demand and of course boost the awareness for some great causes like the cancer support crew. It started off as a way to show employee appreciation, but it was so much fun for those in the community we now invite anyone who can put together a team to join in.”

Sousa, who is the general manager for all three Steinbach Tim Hortons, is no stranger to building community spirit and public awareness regarding great local organizations, as he has also helped coordinate events benefitting the Steinbach Family Resource Centre and Summer in the City.

Pairing up this year with Southeast Cancer Support Services (SCSS), to date 35 teams from Steinbach businesses and community groups have already signed up. Registration remains open until the race begins, starting off from the K.R. Barkman Park at 10 a.m.

Winnipeg Blue Bomber mascots Buzz and Boomer will be on hand for photos and autographs before teams run towards their carefully concealed pit stops and ultimately the finish line at the Southeast Event Centre. Once the teams have completed their runs, the Afterburn Social and awarding of much anticipated prizes will take place.

The social will feature a 50/50 draw and offer silent auction prizes such as a complete patio set, outdoor grill and a highly sought after autographed Connor Hellebuyck hockey jersey. Up to 500 people are expected to attend the social, with over a hundred more headed to the VIP lounge in the event centre.

As with the famous television series, participants launch consecutively from Barkman Park after receiving a clue as to where their next pit stop will be. Contestants then use a combination of knowledge and fitness to deduce their next destination and then get there to receive their next clue and so on until they cross the finish line.

“Obviously, we can’t give anything away before the race starts, but if you want a clue then you have register,” said Sousa. “But the pit stops, like the dance contest Pat Porter Dance Spot and the aqua challenge at the Steinbach Aquatic Centre were a huge success last year.”

Sousa says “It’s like a marathon but so energizing! It’s an unparalleled networking opportunity but it also builds community spirit, and it’s been my experience that nobody shows community spirit like Steinbach.”

Once the race is over and the winner declared the After Burn Social will take place. The Universal Experience will provide entertainment and refreshments, donated by businesses and supporters.

“This event is a wonderful example of what can happen when local organizations and businesses work together to create something fun while supporting such a vital and much needed cause like the Southeast Cancer Support Transportation program,” said SCSS executive director Cindi Rempel-Patrick.

To register a team for the race, the entry fee is $100 for a team of four, which includes entry into the after-race party. Social tickets are $15 each with support tickets being $10 and can be purchased at secancersupport.ca or by calling the SCSS office at 204-846-4673.