This past weekend, the 36th edition of the OK Grand Challenge culminated in a breathtaking display of celebration and community spirit, filling Borrowdale Racecourse with excitement and joy. Cuthbert Magora from Karoi was one of the many touching tales of first-time winners. He took home the grand prize, a brand-new Ford Ranger double cab.
Magora’s victory was part of an incredible event in which 49 cars were given away to lucky people, each of whom was a first-time winner, adding to the joy of the celebrations. In keeping with OK Zimbabwe’s commitment to community service and philanthropy, the 50th car in this year’s Grand Challenge was generously donated to the Emthunzini WeThemba Children’s Home in Bulawayo.
“As we celebrate the 36th anniversary of the OK Grand Challenge, I am filled with immense pride and gratitude,” remarked Mr. Stanley Meck, Marketing Director of OK Zimbabwe. “Since its inception in 1988, this event has grown into a cherished tradition that embodies the spirit of happiness and community at the heart of OK Zimbabwe. For over three decades, we have endeavored to create moments of joy and excitement, not just for our customers but also for our employees, stakeholders, and the broader communities we serve.”
“This year’s event was notable for its larger prize pool, thanks to the inclusion of the OKMart brand, which offered over 40 cars, including NP 200s and H100 trucks, in addition to the coveted grand prize Ford Ranger. The prize distribution was made possible by the invaluable assistance of over 40 suppliers, who worked with OK Zimbabwe to offer affordable prices, thereby improving the overall Grand Challenge experience.”
In line with their mission to make happiness tangible, OK Zimbabwe has also been deeply committed to giving back to the community. This year’s beneficiaries included Emthunzini WeThemba Children’s Home and Masikana Clinic in Mashonaland East, receiving significant donations of groceries, blankets, benches, BP machines, and other essential items.
“Our contributions to these institutions are a testament to our dedication to making a positive impact beyond our stores,” added Stanley Meck. “We have also encouraged our customers to recognize and reward the exceptional service of our till operators, spreading joy through weekly shopping vouchers and surprise gifts during our Happy Saturdays and Sundays.”
The highlight of the celebration was the race day at Mashonaland Turf Club which featured six exciting races, including the main race with a field of 15 horses.
The day was also marked by over 40 prize draws and performances by renowned artists Jah Prayzah, Nutty O, Feli Nandi, Dadza D, and the Chill Spot group. To ensure broad participation, free transport was provided by 18 ZUPCO buses from various city locations to Borrowdale Racecourse.
As the event concluded, the spirit of community and celebration was palpable. “As we look forward to another successful OK Grand Challenge, I extend my heartfelt thanks to everyone who has been part of this journey. Your support, enthusiasm, and participation are what make this event truly special. Here’s to another year of planting smiles and creating unforgettable memories together,” said Stanley.
Indeed, the 36th OK Grand Challenge was a resounding success, highlighting the deep connections between OK Zimbabwe and the communities it serves while setting the stage for even greater celebrations in the years to come.
