This year's initiative reaches many young athletes — marking the Foundation's largest number to date and a significant milestone in its mission to support youth participation in sports. A total of 125 pairs of shoes, 44 sports bras, and other running apparel are distributed, says the foundation.

The event sees children from local athletics clubs receive essential sports gear, reinforcing the Foundation's commitment to ensuring that every aspiring athlete has access to resources that promote dignity, confidence, and performance. Spar joined the initiative with their Spar Pedals program to help #EndPeriodPoverty. Every guest was encouraged to bring a packet of sanitary towels to the handover, ensuring that no girl would miss school or training due to her period.

The handover ceremony features remarks from partners and supporters, including Cade Phillips from adidas, a former professional athlete. Phillips delivers an inspiring keynote address, sharing insights into the discipline, consistency and dedication required to compete at an elite level. His message aims to encourage the children to stay focused on their sporting goals and to cultivate habits that support long-term success, adds the foundation.

One of the speakers, Azwindini Dakalo from Run Alex, emphasised the value of mentorship and structured programmes in nurturing emerging talent. He expressed gratitude to the Foundation for supporting him with running gear to complete this year's Comrades Marathon, mentioning that having the wrong running shoes had previously prevented him from finishing the Ultimate Human Race for the past two years, says the foundation.

Actress Thandy Matlaila, founder of the Thandokazi Foundation, emphasises that this was a collective effort from everyone involved and that their mission is to instil confidence and self-worth in the young athletes, adds the foundation.

The Foundation extends its gratitude to all sponsors, collaborators and supporters whose contributions made this year's handover a success. Key partners included:

  • Hollywood Athletics Club and Hollywood Foundation.
  • adidas South Africa.
  • Central Gauteng Athletics (CGA).
  • Spar Petals.
  • Douwe Egberts.
  • Parents, guardians, community coaches and the participating children.

Their collective generosity ensures that each child receives quality apparel aligned with the needs of young runners and athletes, concludes the foundation.

*Image courtesy of contributor