Cape Town’s 5th International Day of Yoga to be Hosted Online
Social distancing is still the order of the day in South Africa but that won’t stop yogis finding a way to celebrate their love of yoga. For the last 4 years Cape Town’s International Day of yoga celebrations have brought together hundreds of yoga lovers in one place for a mass yoga class, this year’s celebration, however, will have to be a little different. Organisers have announced that Cape Town’s 5th International Day of Yoga will now be hosted online, opening the celebration up to anyone and everyone, far beyond the borders of Cape Town.
Taking place on Saturday 20 and Sunday 21 June 2020, this day unites yogis in celebrating the gift of yoga and supports raising funds for Earthchild Project. Due to the worldwide Covid-19 pandemic, this year’s event will feature a live online yoga marathon hosted on the International Day of Yoga South Africa Instagram account. The marathon will include classes in a variety of styles taught by teachers from throughout the country. Full details of the programme will be announced closer to the time.
Originating from India and acknowledged by the United Nations General Assembly, International Day of Yoga has been celebrated worldwide since 2014. International yoga instructor, Joëlle Sleebos, hosted the first IDY in Cape Town in 2016. Since then it has grown from strength to strength.
The online event is free but participants are encouraged to donate to Earthchild Project, an NGO that supports underprivileged schools by teaching yoga and life skills to children. It is currently working with over 3,500 children in 8 schools in Khayelitsha and Lavender Hill. For only R250 one child is provided with weekly yoga classes for one year!
During the pandemic, Earthchild Project has been offering teachers and children online learning and is assisting with a feeding scheme at a school in Khayelitsha. Joëlle and all participating sponsors and volunteers look forward to welcoming all yogis to the live online IDY celebration on the 21 June – uniting existing yoga communities and giving those who have never tried yoga an opportunity to try it.
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