Keeping kids off the streets
PORT Elizabeth’s newest running club, Youth for Change, has organised a mini-marathon (4.2km) which will start and end at the Raymond Mhlaba Sports centre in NU4 on Youth Day – June 16.
With a membership of 100 youngsters ranging from u-12 to 19, the club was started by Mbulelo Kitas an unemployed 40-year-old who has two Comrades and two Two Oceans under his belt, in 2009.
He is being assisted by Bonitas athlete Mzwanele Maphekula who competed in the Comrades on Sunday. The lack of sponsorship forced Kitas to miss the race.
Kitas says the level of crime among youngsters in Motherwell , especially NU12, is high and he sees athletics as a healthy alternative.
"Despite the lack of sponsorship we decided to change the lives of the children in the area.
"Because the cost of taking part in road races is high we are concentrating on cross- country events.
"Last week we travelled to Grahamstown for the EPAU cross-country league event. Several children did very well.
"This weekend we will be taking part in the second EPAU League event in Gelvandale.”
The club’s top finishers at the cross-country event in Grahamstown were:
First place – Nomakhosi Ntliziyo (girls u-14 4km); Lukhanyo Kossop (boys u-15 4km); Siyabonga Kohla (boys u-16 6km)
Second place – Siyabulela Matyana (boys u-16 6km); Pheliswa Xelewa (girls u-17 4km).
Third place - Anelle Mgqunge (boys u-19 8km); Siphosethu Ndedwa (boys u-14 4km)
Next Saturday’s mini-marathon gets under way at 9am. There will be prizes for the first three runners to complete the course and lucky draw prizes.
Entry fee is R10.
For info contact Mbueleo Kitas on 073-318-2013.