DEAR Editor,-
My name is Bandile Gumbi, a former top athlete who hails from Sheppie High, but is now a University of Pretoria athlete.
Whilst visiting the South Coast, I identified the need for an athletics training camp, especially during the December school holidays. For example, at the South Coast Academy in Margate, there are a lot of athletes who I believe have the potential to make it big, but lack proper training and special coaching.
With this in mind, a 15-day training camp has been planned after I personally approached all the different schools, both rural and urban, to select athletes. To date, we have 19 athletes, but are looking for another 11.
With my experience in athletics, this pre-season camp will help a lot of athletes, including myself. I have set myself a goal to make the Olympic team, to represent our country and the South Coast. As a 400m runner, I have already achieved a time of 47sec, but will achieve the prescribed 44/45sec qualifying time to ensure that I compete at the next Olympics. This will be made possible with the right pre-season training.
We appeal to local businesses to help us raise funds or assist with any training material in the form of sponsored takkies, vests, T-shirts, or in any other way at all. The important objective is to find sponsored accommodation and food so that the camp can be made possible.
Should there be anyone out there who is prepared to come to the aid of future South African athletic champions, please contact me at 084 6246272 or email banzgumbi@gmail.com. Thank you in anticipation.
BANDILE GUMBI
