Cold weather fails to dampen Mthatha sports festivities

Despite the cold weather, Mthatha was abuzz with activity this weekend as the OR Tambo District Municipality hosted a games day for about 500 children while more than 800 people took part in the annual Balekela Umbala Colour Run.
Mayoral committee member Thandi Mdledle said there were matches in a number of sporting codes including table tennis, netball, soccer, volleyball, rugby and boxing.
“The players come from all our local municipalities because we want to create an interest in sport so that some of them can even consider careers in sport,” she said, adding the games day also promoted social cohesion.
Mdledle said as a buildup to the games there were mayoral cup games in the various local municipalities and before this there were games in the different wards.
“Winners at these games will go on to the provincial Steve Tshwete Games in December. We are doing this because we want to keep our children off the streets,” she said.
Parent, Baselwa Mnyaka travelled from Libode to watch her 17-year-old son play soccer.
“As parents we told ourselves that we have to be here to support our children even in this cold. Parental support means a lot to children and they often do better when they know they are supported.
“Being here for him encourages him to know he is on the right track,” she said, sitting at Mthatha Stadium with a blanket wrapped around her legs.
The maximum temperature in Mthatha on Saturday was 15°C but that did not stop young and old from flocking to the fourth Balekela Umbala Colour Run.
Organiser Vidi Armstrong said they were overjoyed at the turnout, with some people entering with their grandchildren and mothers pushing prams.
“This is a family activity for everyone. We want to promote happy exercise for our communities. This is not a speed race, it is a fun run,” she said.
Moyisile Simayile, who is from Ngqeleni, finished the 5km run in 13minutes.
“This is my first time and I will definitely do it again next year. I have brought a group of 10 children with me whom I train twice a week because I want to promote a healthy lifestyle,” he said. Zibele Mampinyose, 9, said the best part of the race was when the beautiful colours were thrown at him while he was running.
“When I get home my mother will say I am dirty but I want to do this again next year,” he said.
The Jawitz Colour My Run, a 5km colour run which raises funds to support the Reach for a Dream Foundation, was held in East London this weekend. See page 9 for photographs...

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