TRAINING without a goal can become exhausting which is the reason two-times Comrades gold medallist Prodigal Khumalo and ultra triathlete Zisandele “Zee” Mkhize have endorsed the inaugural virtual Mr Price Foundation Challenge in partnership with Comrades Marathon, taking place on December 5 and 6.
Both athletes have committed to helping the Mr Price Foundation break the cycle of poverty and inequality among South African youth, and have urged the public and other sporting personalities to do the same.
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Durban-based Khumalo, the world record holder for the Ultra Trail Cape Town, has pledged his support for the foundation’s education and skills development programmes.
“I’m not just running. I am running for a cause, which is obviously giving back to the community,” he said.
Khumalo mentioned that it is events like this challenge that will keep athletes going because they haven’t been taking part in races for a long time due to Covid-19, but just training.
“Events like this virtual challenge are safe to take part in because it accommodates social distancing. You can run wherever you are and participate in an event like this.”
Khumalo, who has gold in his soles, as well as gold in his soul, is a running coach and initiated the Orcas Academy in Inanda.
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He said he encourages young people to be involved in sport so they can stay away from negative things such as gangsterism and drugs.
For the past two years, Mkhize cycled the 606km Ride for MRP Foundation, a two day cycle ride from Secunda to Durban.
Like the challenge, the ride helped create awareness and raise funds for the Mr Price Foundation.
“Poverty is still a big issue, and Covid has increased the poverty line, so people need help even more. It’s about being human at the end of the day and we all share the human condition and in just being unified and together we can do what we can to help so many people,” said Mkhize.
Mr Price Sport marketing manager, Dylan Cherry said, “For the Mr Price Foundation, this event raises awareness for the work that they do, from education to work readiness programmes which help unemployed youth prepare for their careers. This is so important in South Africa at the moment.”
“This is an opportunity to step outside, do some activities, but at the same time make a difference while you are doing it!”
Sporting personalities including the Amazulu Soccer Club, former Springboks, The Cell-C Sharks, as well as some of the Proteas have pledged their support and committed to taking on the Challenge.
With the virtual Challenge going global international sports stars from across the oceans have also committed themselves to the cause with the likes of Australian cricket legend Matthew Hayden also pledging to help break the cycle of poverty and inequality in South Africa by signing up for the challenge.
You have have 10 days left to register and play your part.
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