Running club has green fingers
T&T Athletic Club is a small running club with a big heart, and they are determined to make a difference in the environment.
TO celebrate T&T Athletic Club’s fifth birthday, the members were proud to open their clubhouse, which was built predominantly from recycled materials.
T&T Athletic Club was founded on February 1, 2018 and has been operating since then on the grounds of the Westville Country Club.
ALSO READ: WATCH: Comrades runner shares essentials for running belt
In keeping with their motto, ‘Run Clean, Run Green’, the bulk of this build has been from recycled materials. The club was officially opened by Mandla Mngomezulu, vice-president of KZN Athletics.
Tracey Philips, the founder chairperson, said the building was a much larger ‘Wooden Hut’ that was destined for the dump.
“This has been cut down, resized and built into a unit of six by four meters,” she said.
The front of the clubhouse is wooden and blends in with the Westville Ecotrails, while the front windows and doors look directly into the trails. The flooring is a recycled conveyor belt.
The internal wall draping is leftover material that would have landed up in the landfill. The internal ‘artwork’ is made up of previously loved race T-shirts, race numbers, Athletics’ South Africa numbers and caps.
ALSO READ: Runners spread cheer at festive challenge
“Each item has a memory or a story behind it. Countertops were donated by ESP that had been stored for many years and which have now been put to good use. There are very few new components that have been purchased to complete the build of this unique athletic clubhouse.”
When it comes to taking on such a task, Phillips said this is a ‘labour of love and passion’, and many people need to be thanked.
“Firstly, I would like to thank the amazing athletes for keeping our ‘Little Club with a Big Heart’ going over the past three extremely challenging years, and for their help with this build.
“Special mention must be made to Wimpie de Lange and Tony and Paddy Phillips for putting in many, many long hours over the festive season to ensure that our new home would be ready for the opening,” she said.
“To Guy Reynolds from ESP for the use of his trailer, the donating of the countertops and the sourcing of the conveyor belts for our flooring, we extend our sincere thanks,” Phillips added.
She also thanked all the sponsors who donated mouthwatering treats, drinks and delicious cake. “Everyone made our opening special.”
For more from the Highway Mail, follow us on Facebook or Twitter and Instagram. You can also check out our videos on our YouTube channel or follow us on TikTok.
