Birthday blessing for Sylvia (89) at 5km challenge
The mom and her daughters had a wonderful time.
Not too many people can say they have taken part in a running (or walking) race on their 89th birthday.
But this was the case for Sylvia Da Silva.
Her daughters Lisa Da Silva-Nkabinde and Janine Da Silva Bonhomme decided it would be a great idea to take their mom to the hugely popular Durban SPAR Women’s 5/10km Challenge.
Lisa, who is from Marina Beach, said it was a special day.
She explained how they had grown up getting woken up by their parents at 05:00 to drive to different places to take part in a variety of races.
“It was mad, crazy fun,” said Lisa. “In the old days we used to get badges, not medals,” she said.
Sylvia has been competing in the Challenge since the ’90s, hardly missing one, if any.
The Friday before the big event, Sylvia spent her special day making friends with hundreds of women at the race registration.
“I even got my blood pressure and sugar level tested while waiting. It was a fun way to spend the day.”
She also loves this year’s race shirt. “Pink is my favourite colour,” she said.
The Da Silva women finished the 5km option in one hour and 20 minutes and plan to be back to celebrate Sylvia’s 90th next year.
