Over 200 township school children, as well as one of their principals, enthusiastically took to the Village Scribe Association's (VSA) first ever AwareNet Youth Fun Run.
Over 200 township school children, as well as one of their principals, enthusiastically took to the Village Scribe Association's (VSA) first ever AwareNet Youth Fun Run.
Dressed in running clothes, netball kits and school uniforms, participants ran the 2km route from Ntsika Secondary School last week Thursday. Ntsika's principal, Madeleine Schoeman, was also seen walking the distance.
The first boy home was Nkosinathi Kubale (Ntsika) who finished in a time of 7 minutes 20 seconds. Second home was Masixole Xayiya (Archie Mbolekwa) in 7:30, while third was Zipho Busani (Archie Mbolekwa) in 7:50.
The first girl home was Unathi Sonanzi (Archie Mbolekwa), who finished in 8:58. Simamkele Femngwa (Ntsika) was second in 10:19 and Yolande Mbangata (Archie Mbolekwa) was third in 10:50.
The event was aimed at encouraging healthy lifestyles in the township, said organiser Anna Wertlen, chairperson of the VSA. She felt it was a great success, and said they hope to make the event an annual one.
Most of the pupils that took part were awarded with medals and spot prizes were donated by many businesses in Grahamstown.
Wertlen said the VSA's goal is to establish a tradition of public events, like the fun run, in the township. “These will promote health activities and a healthy public climate, especially for the youth.”
The VSA works in 11 (mostly township) schools in Grahamstown, showing how computers and the internet can relate to fun activities such as music and singing workshops, or running and fitness courses. The service is currently offered for free at the schools.
