Veteran Comrades runner tackles drug abuse and violence among youth
Harvey said it’s a shame that more children are not participating in sports at school.
A veteran KwaMakhutha Comrades runner aims to use his love of sport to galvanise local youth to abstain from drugs and violence. Harvey Sindane, 40, a security guard who works for Lovemore Brothers in New Germany, has completed 12 Comrades Marathons since 2003. His top time is a 7.51 which he celebrated on a down run in 2014. He was hoping to better it at this year’s up run and if it wasn’t for new shoes, which he didn’t have time to break in properly, he would have smashed his 9.27.
“I have lived in KwaMakhutha for 20 years and the violence in our schools affects me. When I heard about the two pupils who were killed at a high school close to where I live, as an athlete it touched my heart. When I went to work and spoke about doing something about it to my boss, he said the company will sponsor me to host a fun run among learners on Youth Day at Mkhumba School sports grounds to take sport back to the schools,” said Harvey.
His idea resonated within the community and he quickly had the support of the local councillor and principals. “The event went off very well. We didn’t get the 200 children we expected, but there were more than 100 who lined up at the start line.” Harvey said it’s a shame that more children are not participating in sports at school, with many not having the facilities, but he reckons that parents need to be more involved with their children and support them, especially when they participate in sports or any extra-mural activity that keeps them off the street.
Harvey was a keen soccer player in his day and it was only after a teammate turned him onto running as a sport that he realised his talent. His company has also started a running club and Harvey is the chairman. “We want to sponsor the winning boy and girl from the fun run with kit, so that we can encourage them to continue to pursue their talent in running. I want to continue visitng schools and hosting fun runs to spread my message. If I can continue to get sponsors, I will definitely hold more runs.” To help Harvey spread his message, call him on 083-481-5372.
READ ALSO: Toti football club kicks off 2019 league season
DID YOU KNOW?
Click on the words highlighted in red to read more on this and related topics.
To receive news links via WhatsApp, send an invite to 061 694 6047
The South Coast Sun is also on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and Pinterest – why not join us there?
Do you have more information pertaining to this story?
Feel free to let us know by commenting on our Facebook page or you can contact our newsroom on 031 903 2341 and speak to a journalist.
(Comments posted on this issue may be used for publication in the Sun)
