SHARPEVILLE.- This year’s cross-country meet attracted hundreds of athletes from all over Sedibeng.

Lekoa Athletics Club hosted the event in conjunction with the George Thabe Stadium in Sharpeville on Saturday.

The race started with the beginners, both boys and girls, who participated in the 1km and were followed by the 2km, 3km, and 4km until the senior men and women. Speaking to Sedibeng Ster Sport, Sandile Ncala from Lekoa Athletics Club said the cross-country was a huge success considering the number of participants.

He told Sedibeng Ster Sport that the highlight of the day was seeing young boys and girls compete against each other with their coaches and parents joining them, running with them as they approached the finish line. It was a beautiful scene all over the stadium every time the athletes entered the venue and to the finishing line. Ncala said he was overwhelmed by the number of athletes from the white community who came in big numbers.

They outnumbered the local runners.

“I must say, the athletes from the white community made this event a great success, especially the parents of the athletes. I have no doubt, they taught us to be supportive to our children. This is our biggest challenge in our community, to support our athletes participating in sports. We want to thank everyone who contributed to the success of this year’s cross-country meet,” he said.

Some yesteryear heroes who were part of this event included former Olympic star, Norman Dlomo, who is very involved in the development of athletes in this region. He had a busy day, running up and down helping with the day’s proceedings, among other things. Speaking to Sedibeng Ster Sport, Dlomo said working with the development was always close to his heart after he retired from a competitive level.