Queen Mo Foundation aims to improve lives of underprivileged athletes in Mbombela
The foundation collects used shoes for athletes
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Through the collection of used and slightly worn running shoes for underprivileged runners, the Queen Mo Foundation helps to improve the running experience of underprivileged athletes and assist them in realising their dreams.
The founder of Queen Mo, Morongwa Dlamini, said she decided to start with the project of recycling running shoes to help those athletes who cannot afford to buy them.”I am a social runner and after competing in a few races and marathons, I realised that proper running shoes are essential for this sport.
It is sad to see committed and dedicated runners not making it to running events because of the lack of proper shoes. With this foundation, we are assisting many, and encouraging sports in communities,” said Dlamini.
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Queen Mo has recently helped more than 200 runners in the region.
“There are affluent runners who do not know what to do with their slightly worn running shoes after they have used them for more than 800km. I approach them after races and marathons and ask them to donate them to us instead of throwing them away.
“By doing so, we help the less fortunate runners to fulfil their aspirations in athletics. We enable seniors to participate in marathons without worrying about running shoes, because we can help them. I was also able to provide the elderly an opportunity to be more active as they can now participate in races.”
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They will campaign during the Kaapsehoop Marathon on November 5 and ask runners to support them by donating shoes as a way of preparing athletes for the upcoming marathons in late November and December.