POLOKWANE – Recently, well-accomplished athlete, Van der Merwe had the idea to create a South African five-man team to compete in Los Alcazares, Spain in the 100km World Championships.
He approached four previous comrades marathon winners, Ludwick Mamabolo, Bongmusa Mthembu, David Gatebe and Gift Kelehe as well as comrades marathon competitor, Rufus Photo, to be a part of the South African team.
He then offered to be a part of the team management, because of his rich history in the sport of ultra-marathon running and because it was his initially his idea to create the team and he corresponded for months with Athletics South Africa in order to get the federation to realize the opportunity they have. Van der Merwe was chosen as the team manager and all expenses were to be paid for him to attend the Championships.
Unfortunately he was subsequently informed that he would not be able to attend as the team manager anymore and would be replaced. “This went down as one of the saddest moments of my athletics career,” he explained.
The team will need Van der Merwe as he has competed in many ultra-marathon championships around the world, and will utilise his experience to help the team perform. Because of the short notice that he would no longer be the team manager, and his expenses would not be paid, Van der Merwe will not have the funds in time to support the team.
Luckily, Norman Johnson, who is involved with the Sudan Support Network, heard of Van der Merwe’s situation and decided to create a fundraiser to help him go to Spain and support the athletes.
Van der Merwe needs a total of R28 750 to attend the championships, and people can donate money at the website www.backabuddy.co.za to help him raise the funds required. “Johan and his family have been linked to the Sudan4Jesus (S4J) initiative since 2012 and as he is deeply appreciated for that, S4J and friends wish to rally around Johan to make his dream come true,” said Johnson.
