KwaThema – Lepro Corporation donated a gazebo to local running club Bayoyo Athletics Academy on Wednesday.
This was part of the international celebration of the centenary of the late former president, Nelson Mandela.
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HR manager for the organisation Thami Dlalisa says they identified the running club as a project to donate to.
“They are supporting young people to keep fit and move away from drugs and other social ills.
“The late president was passionate about the needs of children and pleaded with many to assist where possible.
“As an organisation, we strive to contribute annually towards the improvement of centres catering for young people.
“This includes schools, disability centres and local sports clubs,” he says.
Bayoyo Athletics Academy chairperson Charles Vilakazi says they are grateful for the donation.
“We didn’t have a gazebo and often when we went to compete the team would be forced to sit in the sun.
“But from now on we will have a branded gazebo and look formal like other teams,” he says.
Charles says they are hoping to attract more sponsors because many of the young athletes come from disadvantaged backgrounds.
“Some of the athletes don’t have running shoes, track suits or running gear and often can’t afford to travel to competitions because they can’t afford the travelling costs.
“We want them to compete internationally but we cannot achieve all this without the support of business people and the government.
“We are also urging parents to allow their children to participate in sports, give them support and motivate them to reach their goals.
“We are catering for 55 young athletes in the community,” he says.
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