Alexandra’s fast-growing running group, Run Alex Athletics Club, has launched a development programme to hone the running skills of juniors between the ages of nine to 18 years.
The launch on 27 April at KwaBhekilanga Sports Ground in the Far East Bank was to introduce the juniors’ programme which will nurture the future runners and administrators of the Run Alex Athletics Clubs and also for the community of Alex at large considering the challenges faced by the kids growing up in the streets of Alex.
During the Run Alex launch, referee Zakhele Siwela said the programme will help take young children off the streets and away from the mischief that could easily get them in trouble and end up in jail or even quit school.
“Growing up in Alex is an obstacle on its own, I grew up here in Alex and I know how easy it is to be tempted into doing things that may cause you pain in the long run.
“A sports ground is kids’ safest place to play in, and with this programme, I hope Run Alex will achieve its objectives of keeping the children running and out of the streets of mischief,” Siwela said.
The programme will see children between the ages of nine and 12 years getting involved in various training exercises while teenagers between 13 and 18 years will be introduced to formal running.
Run Alex chairperson Siphiwe Nkosi told Alex News that some members had since left the club while others retired due to old age. However, he said with the juniors’ programme it will be easy for them to groom the perfect candidates to fill the shoes of those who left or those who retire.
“This is to keep the blood of Run Alex Athletics Club pumping for the next coming years,” Nkosi added. “This launch of the juniors’ programme holds the future of Run Alex as we have a great team that will help the kids in running and exercising in order to keep fit.”
