adminCurtworth Masango
MARTHA Mashamhanda, the co-ordinator of the Mashwede Road Race, says athletics is for everyone and doesn’t segregate according to class.
She said that is why they found it ideal to chip in the Mashwede Road Race.
It’s scheduled for June 19 at the Mashwede Village.
“My wish is to rope as many participants as we can from the ghetto since almost all road races are done in the upmarket.
“I was inspired by my experience as an athletics official.
“I have a love for athletics so I decided to bring this idea into reality.
“I have long observed that only the upmarket folks are eager to take part in athletics and we want everyone to take part in it.
“It’s an individual sport that benefits one with a healthy lifestyle through exercise.
“I approached Mr Pace and Mashwede Holdings management with my proposal to have the event in the ghetto.”
She added:
“The response from athletes is overwhelming. We are expecting many seasoned athletes to grace the event.
“This is the platform for the athletes to train and prepare themselves for other bigger events.
“We expect a lot of excitement.”
Mashamhanda says they have introduced the nappy dash, which is the first in the country.
“Nappy dash was conceived from my dream of developing athletes below the age of five.
“For a long time, I have been fascinated by the young athletes I have seen in Jamaica.
“I then said to myself why not try it with our own kids?
“The idea of involving our young African children is for us to try to tap their talents and God-given skills.”
Mathew Masinge
Online Reporter