Shikwambana is the founder of Nkowankowa Athletics Club, which currently trains about 20 athletes and has produced a number of successful athletes in the track and field especially in school sports.
He has been running since he was 14 years old after he was encouraged to take the sport seriously by his former teacher, Louisa Dambuza at Bankuna High School. “I started taking running seriously after I represented the province without any formal training and through the support of my former teacher and ever since I have never looked back,” Shikwambana told Letaba Herald. After passing Grade 12, he volunteered in different schools to coach athletes and to officiate the school sport up to the district level.
“After seeing the need and the pontetial of the athletes, I decided to start my own club, where all learners from different schools and backgrounds can be groomed to be better athletes. “I’m glad for raising a number of succesful athletes locally through the club,” he added.
Through his passion for the sport his club has delivered two annual races namely Zone 2 Zone Marathon and the Youth Challenge Marathon. On June 15 at Nkowankowa Stadium the second Youth Challenge Marathon will be held and everyone is invited to be part of the race.
The race will be in three categories, 21km, 10km and 5km, people can register at Limpo wifi and Paint Pot in Tzaneen and at Benvenuto Resuarant in Nkowankowa. Registrations fee are R90 for 10km, R50 for 5km and R120 for 21km and temporary license are available.
Runners can also register on June 14 from 14:00 to19:00 at Benvenuto and June 15 at Nkowankowa Stadium from 05:00 until 06:30.
Shikwamabana further said the marathon is not only for the youth but everyone is welcome to participate in this race on June 15. For more information on the race contact Martha on 083-715-8984 or Conride on 082- 736-1361 or Sam on 084-592-9825.
