Sports brand assits Irene
Reebok have kitted out Irene with technical apparel and performance shoes.
A childhood dream of being able to run may seem quite ordinary to most people; however, for young Irene van Niekerk realising this dream has involved fierce determination, strength and passion.
Irene (15), a talented middle-distance runner who lives in the Coronation Park caravan park, was almost two years old when her feet were almost amputated after being burned in a bath of boiling water.
Today she is a promising young athlete boasting 32 gold medals, which she has won at school and provincial events.
Global fitness brand Reebok heard about Irene through local non-profit organisation, Unlimited Child and immediately wanted to offer her assistance.
“We found Irene’s determination and love for running so inspiring, and as a brand that is continuously trying to inspire people to move and get fit for life, we are extremely excited to be able to assist her in her endeavours to be a top South African athlete,” explains Reebok Marketing Manager Steve Young.
Dubbed the ‘Tiny Zola Budd’ by her classmates, Irene recently travelled to Durban to meet her hero Zola Budd at Kings Park Athletics Stadium, and at the same time learned about her sponsorship from Reebok.
“Reebok have kitted out Irene with technical apparel and performance shoes. We trust that this kit will assist her in her training and ultimately to reach her dream of one day representing South Africa at the Olympic Games,” says Young.
