Two Samuel Ntsiko Primary School learners were awarded gold medals in the recent Eastern Province Athletics cross-country league race, hosted at Rhodes University earlier this month. Siyabulela Mthwa, 16, won a gold medal in the 4km race and Simamkele Mfengwana, 10, won a gold in the 2km.
Two Samuel Ntsiko Primary School learners were awarded gold medals in the recent Eastern Province Athletics cross-country league race, hosted at Rhodes University earlier this month. Siyabulela Mthwa, 16, won a gold medal in the 4km race and Simamkele Mfengwana, 10, won a gold in the 2km.
“This was the first time I entered a race and I am so happy with my performance,” said Siyabulela. He thanked the school’s athletics teacher for giving him the opportunity to participate in the race. “This is just the beginning, and I will never stop running,” he said confidently.
Simamkele was also positive about her future in running: “I am very thankful to my family, they have been so supportive to me. They were so happy for me and I will never disappoint them,” she said. School principal, Nombulelo Koliti, said that the school was very proud of the pupils, because it is the first time that Samuel Ntsiko had ever taken part in the race.
“I am very happy for Siyabulela, because he stays in a farm outside Grahamstown, and people from the farms are always looked down at,” she said. "But he has crossed those boundaries and proved that anyone can be a winner.” Koliti also said that her school has always been interested in sporting activities and achievements like these motivate children. “I hope that they continue with running and not only end here,” she added.
Athletics teacher at the school, Vuyiswa Mnyungula, who also coaches netball and is a passionate sports fanatic, was also happy with the children’s achievements. “I am so happy for these kids, because this is going to motivate them to stay in sport,” she said. “If teachers do not give kids opportunities, they will never get a chance to show their talents.”
These two pupils were determined to further their successes in the Eastern Province race in Port Elizabeth last Saturday, but unfortunately they arrived late in PE due to a tyre puncture.
