Ugu Athletics Club (UAC), the latest addition to the Port Shepstone area, one year and four months old, celebrated its first annual awards ceremony at Port Shepstone Secondary last Saturday.
A group of local residents banded together to form the club out of a desire to make running as a professional sport accessible to a wider community.
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Along with the many awards members of the club received, they made their message clear, which was to inspire and assist the community to better health and well-being.
UAC president, Adam Moosa, said that the founding of this club marked an important moment in the town’s history.
“While UAC may be a pleasure club, let us remind each other that good things start small and as long as there is accountability and good leadership, this club has immense potential to grow into a formidable force to be reckoned with,” explained Mr Moosa.
He praised the many executives of the club for their great sacrifices in ensuring its continued smooth running and success and encouraged everyone to take a keen interest in the sport of running and to support the club in all of its endeavours. “I urge our community, regardless of gender, colour or creed, to join hands and embrace the club as an integral part of their lives.”
In his address, UAC chairman, Pardon Mathebula, pointed out that this club strove to be a professionally managed organisation which promoted active, healthy lifestyles to its members and the community. “We have grown tremendously, with 96 members currently and we believe that the sky is the limit!” said Mr Mathebula.
“This club is a community club where all of us can be involved in sporting activities. Whichever route you take, you run within the community.” He reiterated that people can join the UAC at a minimal fee. “This club works with its members – whatever we collect in terms of membership fees is ploughed back to them.”
Those keen in joining the UAC can contact Eddie Ramaloo at 083 7774890 or Reshen Sookooram at 073 1707978. Cost is R120 per KZN licence and R80 for club fees.
Results include:
10km club challenge (women): 1 Ruvashnie Rickilall; 2 Navi Nohar; 3 Sivashnie Rickilall.
10km club challenge (men): 1 Mthokozisi Cele; 2 Timothy Shangase; 3 Thobane Mbotho.
21km club challenge (women): Tholinhlanhla Cele
21km club challenge (men): 1 Mvuselelo Ntokazi; 2 Menzi Tshayiza; 3 Mthokozisi Cele.
Best 21km runners for 2017 (women): 1 Tholinhlanhla Cele; 2 Sivashnie Rickilall; 3 Ruth Naidu.
Best 21km runners for 2017 (men): 1 Mbogeni Ngeleke; 2 Andile Ngwazi; 3 Thobane Mbotho.
Best 42km runners for 2017 (men): 1 Mthokozisi Cele; 2 Timothy Shangase; 3 Xolani Mbhele.
First UAC runners to complete the 2017 Comrades: 1 Timothy Shangase (8hrs, 8min, 55 sec); 2 Simphiwe Jula (8hrs, 58 min, 31sec); 3 Mthokozisi Cele (9hrs, 8min, 21sec).
Best junior male runner: Mvuselelo Ntokazi.
Best junior female runner: Ruvashnie Rickilall.
Awards for 60 year and over runners: Navi Nohar, Farouk Nohar, Morgan Moodley, Pardon Mathebula.
Most committed runner for 2017: Bhoni Nqoko.
Most improved runner for 2017: Menzi Tshayiza.
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