Race supports youngsters to take step closer to their dreams
MEC Pemmy Majodina is to be covered in gunpowder in Mthatha next week as she will be officiating the start of the sixth annual Elliot Madeira Charity Club Qualifying Race.
The event is supported by the Department of Sport, Recreation and Arts and Culture. Over the years it had been about promoting a healthy lifestyle but this year it will be a platform of qualifying athletes bigger races at national level.
The chairman of Elliot Madeira Charity Club Temba Mtshabe said the event started in 2012 and they partnered with well-known Pharmacist and business woman, Ntuthu Sibango of Link Pharmacy, Elliot and Madeira in Mthatha.
“Over the years we focused mainly on encouraging people of the Eastern Cape to enter the race to maintain a healthy lifestyle and exercise, but for this year we have invited athletes and clubs from all over South Africa to participate. Their finishing time will be recorded as references for bigger future races,” said Mtshabe.
He also said their club helps orphans and young people from disadvantaged families.
“We assist young people from age 15 to 30 to enter in the Heroes Marathon, Legends Marathon and the Nelson Mandela Marathon. The club also puts them through school and varsity so that they can have another career to fall back on besides running.
“Our sponsors have ensured that we have R119 220 in cash prizes. The club with the highest number of athletes will automatically win R2 000 in cash,” said Mtshabe.
The event’s main sponsor and partner, Ntuthu Sibango said there will be nurses and medical practitioners available to ensure the well-being of athletes, especially the elderly.
“Accommodation and transport for athletes will be available, medals and hampers will also be won. After the race there will be children’s entertainment and a raffle,” said Sibango.
She said they also appeal to potential sponsors to come to the event to see talented athletes who they can take under their wing as brand ambassadors.
“The race will be on the 10th of September, 21km will start at Qunu and end at Walter Sisulu University’s Nelson Mandela Drive Campus.
“The 10km is from Vidgesville to NMD and the 5km is from Ultra City Shell garage to NMD,” said Sibango.
She also said the category of run for health and walk health is open for athletes above 60 years of age, with prize-money of R4 800.