The Boksburg Athletic Club’s top runner, David Gamede, wants to start an athletics programme for young people in Windmill Park to get them involved in the sport.
Gamede recently acquired his Athletics South Africa (ASA) level one coaching license and will use his experience to unearth and nurture young talented runners in the Boksburg south township.
This licence allows the 61-year-old to train middle and long-distance athletes, specialising in events such as the 800m double-lapper up to marathon and ultra-marathon distances.
Drawing inspiration from the impact the Soweto Marathon has made on the residents of South Africa’s largest township, the four-time Comrades Marathon finisher’s first task is organising a 10km race on the streets of Windmill Park, which he said could spark an interest in athletics.
“We have lots of talented young people. If we can channel their energy into the right things, their lives can change,” he said.
Gamede said his wealth of experience in athletics and newly acquired knowledge would allow him to identify and groom athletes who would positively represent the area.
He said he was troubled by the dwindling numbers of young black athletes in track and field events such as shot put and javelin.
“When you go to schools or stadiums in the suburbs, you will find young white children with their parents on the track practising. That’s why our athletics are dominated by athletes from such areas. They start young.
“Young black athletes dominate middle and long-distance events and the ones you find on the track and field had their training in private or suburb schools. Where are the runners from the township schools?” he asked.
The sexagenarian said most young people in the townships lacked ambition, were not goal-orientated and had no will to succeed, which resulted in social problems such as crime and substance abuse.
He said poverty was high because they were not using their God-given talents and gifts to change their lives, adding that they should draw inspiration from two-time Comrades Marathon winner Tete Dijana who overlooked his circumstances and used his talent to better his life.
“When you have a dream, you won’t be side-tracked by drugs because you have a purpose in life. I’ve been to schools in Windmill Park to motivate the learners to focus.
“I’m now able to develop a programme and offer coaching and guidance. Athletics is another avenue to motivate them,” he said.
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