Legendary South African long distance runner Zithulele Sinqe, also known as Zet, may have died eight years ago but his spirit of endurance has been brought back to life in the form of the Zet Sinqe Series Runs which are designed to unearth the future stars of the track.
His ‘resurrection’ was marked with the launch of the Zet Sinqe Series Runs at Gauteng Sport House, the headquarters of sport in the province, housed at the Johannesburg Stadium in the Ellis Park precinct in Doornfontein on 10 July.
Speaking at the launch of the series in partnership with Central Gauteng Athletics (CGA), Zithulele Sinqe Foundation and City of Johannesburg, Sinqe’s daughter Zintle Mokoka said the family had always harboured the idea of establishing the series in the memory of their father.
“I am happy we have finally realised this family dream and we are so indebted to CGA who jumped at the idea when we pitched it to them a few months ago. We hope to find some sponsors to sustain the series which aim at unearthing tomorrow’s stars today,” she said.
Mokoka took the opportunity to appeal to potential sponsors, in particular the mines where her father worked, to come on board and honour the memory of her father by partnering with the foundation to help children from poor communities who may be talented but lack the means to reach their career dreams.
It is envisaged that some of these talented children who will be unearthed will be given scholarships at schools where their athletic careers can be nurtured and developed. “All this can easily be achieved with financial partners on board,” Mokoka said.
For a start, Mokoka said they would hold two 5km series events, one in Kagiso and the other in Orange Farm and a third, though still to be confirmed, in Zet’s birth place of eNgcobo outside Mthatha.
The Kagiso series will be held on 25 August at Kagiso Sports Complex and in Orange Farm on 12 October, and these will include boys and girls of various age groups from U13, U15, U17 and U19.
Details: CGA 011 873 2726.
Related article:
Alex runners shine at this year’s Comrades Marathon in Durban
