Help Soweto athlete get to USA

Local athlete, Thato Pule is appealing to South Africans to help him raise enough money to get to the United States of America (USA) next month.

ALSO READ: Local entrepreneur aims to excel in sport

The 26-year-old long distance runner from Soweto scored himself a scholarship to study and further his athletic skills at the top Butler Community College, in Kansas.

But for Pule, who was raised by a single mom, his athletic aspirations of walking in the footsteps Mo Farah stands to be dashed if he fails to raise the money by July 15.

His impressive sporting results from last year and previous competitions garnered the attention of the coach at the college.

“My friend from Algeria who studies at the college introduced me to his coach and I sent the results to coach Mark on Instagram and he was impressed and said I would be a good asset to his team.

“I could not believe it at first but it has been a long time coming, the hours of training and making sure I participate in competitions over the years has paid off,” he shared.

The scholarship is for a two year course, which he will be studying sports management in sciences, starting in August.

ALSO READ: Motorsport SA pays tribute to competitors’ talent

This is going to be the first time he goes international- something which he said would be an enormous boost to his athletic career.

“The opportunity means a lot for a young boy who grew up in Soweto.

“It is what I have been waiting for my whole life. I was raised by my mother who has supported my dream.

She would travel with me, making sure my entrances for races or running shoes are sorted.

“This is more of giving back to my mother and my community who have nurtured my talent from a young age and produced the disciplined athlete that I have become.”

He started athletics at the age of seven and since then has gone on to run for prominent running clubs in the province running his first ASA cross country championships in 2009 and representing the province at national level.

ALSO READ: The importance of safety gear in youth sports

According to Pule, the scholarship covers everything but it did not include the traveling costs. He said he would need about R30 000 to get to the USA. The amount will cover the Visa and flight tickets.

He told Urban News that he dreams of being recognised as one of the best professional runners to come out of Mzansi.

“I will be leaving byJuly 31 so it’s a tight deadline. I have been scattering around seeking donations and it hasn’t been easy but I am appealing to cooperate clubs, companies and business communities to assist in getting me abroad.”

For more information, contact Thato Pule on 069 183 9152 or via email on thatopule5000@yahoo.com