Making a difference with sport

POLOKWANE – A Pietersburg Road Runners athlete, Harry Lamola’s passion for running sees him take young people from the streets to engage them on the sports field.

Lamola is already behind an athletics team at Greenside Primary School called Balamolela Athletic Club (BAC).

The athlete’s plan specifically targets Greenside learners who engage in drugs, alcohol and gangster groups. He hopes that by introducing healthy alternatives as pass time activities, he will be able to break down this vicious cycle

According to Lamola, the athletics team is doing well and it is heartening to see the athletes’ ambition to be part of his vision.

“Not having sports activities in schools nor within communities is a big challenge for young people.

“The development of an athletics team at Greenside Primary School is an important tool to change the younger generation,” Lamola believes.

He is putting in a lot of work everyday to ensure enough training is done during the training session.

“I always ensure every athlete goes to the field and exercises at least three hours daily. Together with my team, we have been doing outdoors training sessions, which I believe the athletes will benefit from since we are also doing them on different landscapes,” he adds.

“With this year’s upcoming athletics competitions, I want to prepare a strong team that will be able to represent the school. I want to produce top athletes from Greenside and put the school on the map,” he proudly states.

Lamola concludes by saying not having a presentable sports ground and training materials is another big hurdle. He is investigating a sponsor to help him to uplift the youth.