Talented athletes to be mentored to excel
Community believes sport is the only tool that can use to fight social ills.
The fight for employment, upliftment and empowerment of the youth is of national importance and should continue every day. In a deep rural area of St Faiths, Ward 2 Umzumbe Municipality, Youth Day was celebrated in style.
The youth led by Mle Mkhungo and volunteers launched the ‘Ward2 St Faith’s Marathon #WASFM2022′.
Thubalethu Mathuba Shange a local self-supported endurance mountain biker, made sure that the planning, preparation and implementation of WSFM2022 happened accordingly.
The aim was to discover talented individuals, especially youth. “We will mentor those with potential and give them guidance to excel in this sport, and also to make a living as an athlete. We also believe sport is the only tool that we can use to fight social ills especially in our underprivileged community.”
A 5km run was held for U15s and 10km run for 19 and over. The event was supported by the community. Physically disabled Ntuthuko Radebe from Mabheleni completed over 5km in his wheelchair.
The U15 boys’ category winner was Olwethu Ndimande (12:08); second Asanda Ngubane (14:03) and third Qiniso Radebe (15:09). In the girls’ U15; first Kholeka Mbhele (17:05), second Minenhle Dlamini (18:01) and third Lushaba Nothi (18:40).
In the U19 men’s event – first Dlamini Lusanda (21:49), second Zondi Thuthukani (22:24) and third Lusanda Cele (29:28). In the women’s event – first Luyanda Mnyandu (26:23), second Mvuno Sthabile (28:30).
In the open division – first place Sphephelo Dlamini (23:49), second Mtomuhle Khumalo (25:49) and first woman Sebenzile Mase Dlamini (33:03).
“Planning this marathon was challenging financially but with donations from the community of Ward2 made it possible. We plan to host the event annually on Youth Day.”
Thubalethu thanked all who made this event a success. All identified winners in all categories will undergo an intensive training and mentorship programme with relevant stakeholders and sport representatives.
“We are appealing to everyone, more especially the business sector and the Umzumbe Municipality to look to this initiative as the ‘big picture’ of developing, growing and preserving these talented athletes in our village. We also want to discover many sporting codes in the future.”
Previously, Thubalethu had been invited to Belgium and Morroco but with the lack of funding his dream faded, despite that, he is hopeful as he has been invited to Morocco to attend the Atlas Mountain Race from October 1 – 8.
For further information on the Ward 2 event or if anyone would like to help this community contact Thubalethu on 062 2052585 or email ts039media@gmail.com
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