SPAR back rising distance running star
"We are proud to be associated with Karabo, who has touched, so many that have crossed her path through her endearing spirit," said Retha Ingenbleek, the race organiser of the SPAR Women's Virtual Challenge
Promising distance athlete Karabo Motsoeneng will be looking to carry her stellar local form onto the international stage when she represents South Africa at the World Athletics U20 Championships Cali 22 in August.
The 19-year-old Motsoeneng has experienced a stellar rise on the local running scene over the last two years, where she has raked in national and regional titles. She now has her sights set on higher honours as she looks to make her mark at international meetings.
Motsoeneng’s ambitions to etch out a career in the sport have been given a boost after the SPAR Women’s Challenge Tshwane pledged their support to the youngster. The backing from SPAR will assist Motsoeneng in her preparations for competitions.
Motsoeneng thanked SPAR and Asics for putting their faith in her abilities and pledged to make the best of her opportunities. “Thank you so much for everything you have given me. I really do appreciate all the things I have received. I promise to make you guys proud, and I am fully committed to working hard to achieve what is best for me and represent you well,” Motsoeneng said.
“I am proud to say that I am ready to show the world what I was blessed with, a talent that was precious from God, with all the things I have received.”
The Prestige College matriculant upped the ante in 2022, winning junior national titles in the 3 000m and 5 000m in Potchefstroom in early April. She also stepped onto the podium in only her second 10km race at the SPAR Women’s Challenge in Gqeberha, where she finished second in the junior category.
Motsoeneng is the epitome of resilience, growing up without parents in the Free State before she was discovered and offered a bursary at Prestige College. The tenacious youngster has exploited her running talents to rise above her challenges and build a bright future.
Motsoeneng’s story of courage speaks to the #iRISE theme of this year’s SPAR Women’s Virtual Challenge, which celebrates the strong women who rise above challenges through a spirit of perseverance.
“We are proud to be associated with Karabo, who has touched, so many that have crossed her path through her endearing spirit,” said Retha Ingenbleek, the race organiser of the SPAR Women’s Virtual Challenge “We believe she will continue her incredible rise with the help of a caring community.”
Proceeds from this year’s virtual challenge entry fees will be used to help the SPAR Petals Project donate packs of sanitary pads to underprivileged girls. These girls often miss school during their periods as they lack these necessities. SPAR Petals donations help keep these girls in school, giving them an equal chance to compete and lead a full life. The contribution will help these girls rise above their challenges.
The SPAR Women’s Virtual Challenge and Theme:Â
Difficulty calls us to rise, and in that rising, we learn what we are capable of. The theme of the SPAR Women’s Virtual Challenge 2022 is built on the concept of rising despite the difficulty, like a phoenix from the ashes, which the Virtual Challenge itself has done amidst a global pandemic. In the middle of difficulty lies opportunity, and there is a plethora of opportunities for creativity amidst the current challenges that we face.
This year we anticipate rising again as the SPAR Women’s Virtual Challenge 2022, in celebration of a South African stalwart, accompanied by a powerful digital strategy and virtual challenge, to become the most inclusive challenge South Africa has seen.
Over the years, the challenge has brought women from all walks of life together, to make a difference in our communities and once again, this year will be no different, as we rise to the challenge as a nation, leaving no woman (or man) behind. While the challenge is still fully focused on women, we encourage women to bring their families, friends and animals and welcome everyone, irrespective of gender, for this inclusive challenge.
EVENT DIARY DETAILS:
Date:
3 September 2022
Time:Â 6AM to 6PM (subject to lockdown restrictions)
Location:
Virtual Event (participants can select own route and distance)
Entries+Website:Â https://sparvirtualchallenge.co.za/
Media Contact:Â
Natasja Martens
082 9014014
