In it for the long run

“Germiston-based Central Gauteng Athletics (CGA) prides itself when it comes to the development of young athletes,” said CGA’s Mbalenhle Ngema.

“CGA has produced many top athletes through its development programmes in the different disciplines found under the CGA umbrella.

“Having recently hosted CGA’s fourth cross-country league event at Sinaba Stadium, in Daveyton, we observed great talent from young men and women who have great passion for running and aspire to be South Africa’s top athletes in the future.”

Ngema also managed to sit and talk to some of the aspiring athletes about athletics.

“Among the few young athletes we had a chat with in commemorating Youth Month, Casey Bosman (15), Yandiswa Shange (16) and Robyn Kalten Bunn (18) shared similar sentiments on the importance of running in their lives,” she said.

“It gives them focus and forms aspirations for them to excel in what they do.

“They look forward to going to the South African Championships in September and proclaimed their passion for running.”

“I love cross-country. I have participated in 15 cross-country league events,” said Bosman.

“I am proud of my progress and my current goal is to finish in a top three position at the SA Championships.”

“Running is so much fun and I wish to inspire my peers to join athletics,” said Shange.

“Athletics gives one an opportunity to get out there and meet a lot of inspirational people,” said Bunn.

“It gives courage and motivates one to become a better person, it is a great way to keep fit and keep the mind fresh.

“My goal for 2016 is to be a junior provincial champion in cross country.”

The youngsters’ results at the recent cross country league:

• Bosman, from Benoni High School, finished first in the girls u-15 4km event in a time of 14 minutes and 47 seconds.
• Shange, who runs for KPMG, finished first in the girls u-17 4km event in 15 minutes.
• Bunn, also running for KPMG, finished first in the girls u-19 6km event, clocking at 23 minutes and 38 seconds.

“These young girls show that there is a great future ahead for South African athletics,” explained Ngema.

“It gives CGA great pride to know that we have the future in our hands and with proper nurturing we can take the sport to greater heights.”

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