Spar, Caxton donate running shoes
JOBURG – Running shoes donations come at the right time as pupils prepare for athletics season ahead.
Skeen Primary School children were the lucky recipients of running shoes from the Spar Group and Caxton’s Rosebank Killarney Gazette’s Drop off a Pair, Show you Care campaign.
Since being directly involved in the Spar Women’s Race, Caxton along with Spar, decided to run this initiative wanting give back to those in need and to supply running shoes to those who wish to join the race this year.
Skeen Primary School principal Phillemon Mashishi said the donation had come at the right time, as Skeen was beginning preparations for the upcoming athletics season.
“Most of them ran barefoot and will now excel and exhibit their running talent, which some may [turn into] profitable professions in future,” Mashishi said in the presence of prominent runners René Kalmer, an Olympic athlete; and Mapaseka Makhanya, an African and world championship participant.
René Kalmer, a Roodepoort resident and Spar Women’s Race runner, said the donation was a way of giving the needy some resources they could use to develop their careers as runners. “In the process, they are keeping themselves healthy and able to lead balanced lives if they also commit to their school work. Sports can open [more] doors when complemented with education,” she said.
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The Soweto-born Mapaseka Makhanya, also a Spar Women’s Race runner, used to run barefoot when she was younger said, “I know the feeling of despair [and being] without resources to carry out one’s dream. A donation gives a beneficiary confidence to pursue their dream and talent, including an education.”
She urged the youngsters to respect their teachers, parents and the community, and to become better and successful people. She also called on parents and the community to show an interest in the children’s lives.
Caxton’s Norman Dawe said the donation was a long-term initiative aimed at supporting rising athletic stars. Spar’s Marlene Gunter said the initiative would involve other schools in the future. “It’s an opportunity and motivation for them to get and remain fit, which is also essential when tackling school work.”
A similar donation was made to the Joburg Girls Preparatory School in Berea.
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