Anglo American hosts successful ‘Run for Health’ race event

Nkangala Athletic Academy closed the 2014 Athletic season in style with six category prizes at the ‘Anglo American Run and Walk for Health’ event held at the Matimba Sports Ground in Ladau, Witbank, on Saturday, 29 November.

In the 10km Juniors Category, winners from Nkangala Athletic Academy included Zandile Zikhaya, Doctor Madalane, Ben Mahlangu and Precious Tshabalala. In the 21.1km Catergory winners included Sifiso Molotiwa, Mokgethi Mnguni and senior lady Precious Tshabalala.

The event was organised by Anglo American’s Coal Business and supported by the eMalahleni Local Aids Council. The day marked World Aids Day and served to promote the benefits of keeping fit and leading a healthy lifestyle.

Chairperson of the Academy Emmanuel Mabaso stated that 2014 was a ‘good year’ and they achieved many goals in contributing towards the  development of the sport and athletes in the entire Province.

Some of our athletes were given opportunities to represent the province at the all South African Championships, such as Thulisile Amon who represented Mpumalanga at the South African Track Championships, Japie Jele in the catergory 42.2km, John Thipe in 21.1km as well 10km, and Precious Tshabalala in 21.1km. A total of 23 athletes of the Nkangala Athletic Academy participated in cross country champs, and we also produced category winners at Mpumalanga’s premier race, The Loskop Marathon, namely Japie Jele and Simanga Mabuza, Mabaso said.

He added that the overall ‘outstanding performances by all athletes’ will be celebrated at the year end function of Nkangala Athletic Academy to be held this Saturday.

A big thanks goes to every athlete who works so hard and continues to do so in pursuit of this rewarding lifestyle. We would also like voice our appreciation and gratefulness to the media who consistently support us and play an important role in being our voice in remote areas, he concluded.