Learners write 800 letters to Caster Semenya
Kgomo said they’ll be communicating with the department of sports in the province to make sure that the letters get to Semenya.
Maitjibulo Primary School learners wrote 800 letters of support to the 800m world champion, Caster Semenya, in support of her case against the International Association of Athletics Federation (IAAF).
The letters were revealed on August 16 at the school.
The project was created by Refined Plug Creations, an organisation from Katlehong.
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Refined Plug Creations co-founder Kgothatso Kgomo said: “As a company, our aim is not just to make profit. We are trying to engage school learners in issues that are taking place in the country.
“We are trying to celebrate Semenya as the hero she is. Gone are the days where we’d show love and celebrate someone only when they are dead.
“Other campaigns don’t involve learners. However, with this one, we wanted to involve the learners as they are the ones who look up to Semenya more than anyone else.
“This is the first campaign we are running as a company. As former learners of the school, we thought it is best to start here. “Sport wasn’t made for average people. If it were, then everyone would receive a gold medal just for participating.
“The IAAF should leave Semenya alone. There’ll be a time when she’ll retire, but for now let her shine.”
School principal Ali Tjale said: “The learners might not understand what’s going on as they are still young. However, Semenya as an athlete is a role model to them.
“We allowed the campaign to take place here at the school as it is supporting Semenya in all that she is going through as
the IAAF has been offensive to her.”
Omolemo Madiba (13), a Grade Seven learner at the school who wrote one of the letters, said she wrote that the IAAF is wrong to ask Semenya to lower her testosterone and that Semenya a right to carry on running as she has always has, and she is a winner.
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Kgomo said they’ll be communicating with the Department of Sports in the province to make sure that the letters reach Semenya.
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