Kwena aims high

The competition will be held at the Ruimsig Stadium in Roodepoort on Saturdayand the event is organised by the Gauteng Department of Education, Gauteng Sports, Arts, Culture and Recreation, the Gauteng Schools Athletics Committee and Central Gauteng Athletic.

Maholo (15), who is part and parcel of the Tembisa Athletics Club, said she is aiming to make her school and community proud.

“It feels great to be one of the best out of hundreds of other learners who also want to be on top. I am extremely delighted and can’t wait to challenge other school athletes at the provincial competitions. I want to be first and an inspiration to young children who do not consider sports,” she said.

She almost topped all the learners in a 4 km race and came second during the Ekurhuleni North Greater Towns Athletics meeting held recently. She started running when she was in primary school.

“I run with my friends at the Tembisa High School sports grounds. We also play netballand I love exercising. Sports keeps me busy and I always enjoy myself when I am on the field,” she added.

Maholo urges learners to consider sports and to stay away from crime. “Most young people are busy with their cell phones, chatting to their friends and not thinking about exercising. Others are doing crime, taking drugs and alcohol. I am encouraging learners to follow their dreams, regardless of our poor backgrounds. Exposing their talents might help them secure their future,” she explained.

School sports teacher, Starring Moabelo, said they are proud of all the learners who participate in sports at their school.

“We want these children to put our school name on the map by winning championship titles when competing. Tembisa has talented youngsters. Primary school learners, when they reach high school, quit sports and start following useless things like chatting on social networking sites. We encourage children to always take part in sport.