Sport for Lives Epic run/cycle from Hilton to Manguzi reaches half way mark.
Kwanda Sibiya, teacher and housemaster at Hilton College, and his fellow Sport for Lives participants are now entering the second half of their journey from Hilton to Manguzi, after already travelling over 250km on foot and bicycle over 4 days. Their goal is to inspire members of the public to bring hope to two brave young children of the Manguzi community who have lost both their parents. Funds will also be used to support Kolisi Foundation initiatives to help children who find themselves in vulnerable circumstances.
Sibiya says his body is tired, but his resolve is stronger than ever. “There were days in my childhood where I didn’t have the means to afford a meal, never mind the energy to think of a positive future. My life was changed by a few people taking a few moments to help me along.” Today, after a long road of perseverance and hard work, Kwanda fulfils his dream of sharing his lifelong passion for science with young learners.
Reflecting on the first 4 days of his journey back to Manguzi, Sibiya says:
“I’ve been greatly touched by the support we have received from a variety of individuals from all walks of life. So far, 76 people have reached into their pockets to make a difference. If we can inspire wider involvement and get that number up to 500 then we can secure the future of some extraordinary young people. They too will no doubt help others and sustain an infinite cycle of change. Any and every single amount helps, so please join us!”
Sport for Lives and the Kolisi Foundation facilitates the expedition because they feel it is a good example of how South Africans can pull together to change the narratives around inequality.
“I’m physically exhausted,” adds Ncedo Koyana, who is cycling and running the 500km as a representative of the Kolisi Foundation. “But my mind is strengthened by the thought that each step I make towards Manguzi is a stride towards giving a child a better future, as we remember the one, one by one. I’m calling on everyone who reads this to join me on this journey and contribute what they can – we can only do this together.”
“Kwanda’s campaign resonates with us because he reminds us that we can all do something, every day to bring positive change to South Africa,” says Sport for Lives co-founder Chris Kingsley. “We hope to change the perspective in South Africa from one of ‘giving back’ which implies erratic contributions at arm’s length to a culture of giving with a deeper connection to the lives one is changing. So many of us can create a world of difference by making giving part of our everyday routine. In the process we can bring great purpose and fulfilment to our lives.”
The Manguzi Edition will mark the first of an annual event forming part of a campaign series.
To support Sport for Lives, Manguzi Edition together with the Kolisi Foundation or to pledge an amount, no matter how small, please visit www.sportforlives.org or the direct campaign link.
Watch the official Sport for Lives, Manguzi Edition clip
