The Minister of Sport, Arts and Culture, Gayton McKenzie, took part in his first race of the year at the Discovery Vitality Spartan Harriers Race. This event marked the Western Cape leg of the Vitality Run Series.
Speaking at the race, Minister McKenzie highlighted the impact of poverty on access to sports gear, stating, “Many people in our country do not have running shoes due to high levels of poverty. I have therefore partnered with Discovery Vitality to launch a running shoe drive.”
Through this collaboration, the Minister and Discovery Vitality aim to distribute 100,000 pairs of running shoes to underprivileged individuals. Minister McKenzie also encouraged South Africans to prioritise their health and adopt more active lifestyles.
The race saw over 3,500 participants, many of whom generously donated their pre-loved running shoes. These contributions will help provide others with the opportunity to participate in running and experience its many health benefits.
Dinesh Govender, CEO of Discovery Vitality, emphasised the importance of physical activity, saying, “We do 16 Vitality Runs, supporting running around the country, and getting everyone more physically active because it builds their immune system. To get more people running we've come up a donation initiative with the Minister's support.”
Dr Mosima Mabunda, Chief Clinical Officer at Discovery Vitality, added, “"We try to make running more accessible by donating pre-loved running shoes. We've got 16 Races across the country in Western Cape, KwaZulu-Natal and Gauteng. Please participate in the races and bring your pre-loved shoes and we will distribute them accordingly".”
For those unable to attend the races, running shoes can be dropped off at any Discovery store or the offices of the Department of Sport, Arts and Culture.
Minister McKenzie reiterated that this was the first of many races he plans to participate in and expressed his commitment to promoting an active and healthy nation through initiatives such as the running shoe drive. The running shoe drive is part of the 365 days campaign “I Choose 2be Active”, What are bout you? The program encourages everyone to participate in any physical activity that benefits body, mind and soul.
Gayton McKenzie
Minister of Sport, Arts and Culture
For media enquiries:
Ms. Stacey-Lee Khojane, Spokesperson: Office of the Minister of Sport, Arts and Culture
Email: StaceyK@dsac.gov.za
Cell: +27 77 608 7579
Ms Zimasa Velaphi, Head of Communication and Marketing: Department of Sport, Arts and Culture
Email: ZimasaV@dsac.gov.za
Cell: +27 72 172 8925
