SOUTH African earth warrior and social justice activist Catherine Constantinides has a passion for Africa, the environment and human rights. She’ll be participating in the 2019 Sahara Marathon to raise awareness for the Saharawi freedom fighters and victims of landmines in the region.
As an internationally renowned climate activist and human rights defender, she is no stranger to challenge and adventure and has set her mind firmly on participating in this desert run, which takes place on February 26 in the Sahara Desert.
“I am participating in the marathon to honour the leaders that have gone before me, to honour the people that have lost limbs and in some instances their lives as a result of landmines and to honour those who have impacted my life,” said Catherine. “I run for justice for the last colony of Africa; as a South African I run for the right to freedom and self-determination for all people.”
The Sahara Marathon’s standard distance is 42km and includes a half-marathon of 21km, as well as a special children’s race which is aimed at promoting sports activity.
Catherine said this is certainly the biggest physical challenge she has ever committed to and has already been preparing for the upcoming marathon. Her goal is to highlight the #StandInTheSand solidarity movement which gives a voice and presence to the last colony in Africa, Western Sahara.
Catherine has been actively engaged in highlighting causes all across Africa linked to climate change and human rights for more than a decade. Her work through her organisation, Generation Earth, has gained much momentum across South Africa and the world over the past eight years.
She also serves on the Saharawi Human Rights Council and has been travelling back and forth to the refugee camps as a humanitarian for the past five years. Last year, Catherine spent time with Aziz Haider, who is the founder of the Saharawi Association of Landmine Victims (ASAVIM).
According to Aziz, who lost three of his limbs in a mine blast, such explosions have caused more than 300 casualties since a ceasefire which took effect in 1991. There are still between five to 10 million landmines in the Sahara today, making it one of the most contaminated territories in the world.
Funds raised through the Sahara Marathon aids in financially supporting and developing humanitarian programmes, such as the ones Catherine is involved in. The unifying power and strength of sport will hopefully raise awareness in the world about the plight and struggle of the forgotten people of Africa – the Saharawi people of Western Sahara.
(Information and photo provided by SA Fusion Public Relations.)
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