Remarks by MEC Kekana on send-off of Comrades Marathon runners
Limpopo Health MEC Dr. Phophi Ramathuba;
Head of Department: Dr Muthweiwana Dombo;
Hauwei SA representatives BCX representatives;
Leaders of Runners’ clubs represented here;
Our special guests of the day, our runners.
Esteemed guests It is an honour for me to be here today in this much respected send-off.
I say respected, because you top runners deserve all the respect, as you push your bodies to the maximum limits.
The comrade’s marathon is the ultimate human race that which we have seen many of you put your bodies through, just to finish it. You are our inspiration to healthy living, and active recreation.
We already celebrate you as victors this evening because you have pulled all stops to qualify.
You have already made serious strides.
Ladies and gentlemen.
I understand fully that the training and preparations of this major event requires a commitment of time, energy and sweat, and the races can be quite gruelling. You have already outstood the ultimate test- and urge you to take one more leap towards finishing your goals. You will finish, say it and believe.
MEC Ramathuba,
My Department resolved to form participation in the SA Run4Cancer ultra marathon which will also take part later this year. I call upon all runners to rally behind this marathon as part of raising awareness about cancer. It is a serious killer of our society and wish to have more people aware of it. The event will be returning after a hiatus due to COVID-19 regulations. When this marathon takes centre stage in cancer awareness month in October, we hope to have gained strength from runners like yourselves.
Ladies and gentlemen, I call on corporate Limpopo to further work hand in hand with government as we support our runners to achieve their goals.
As the custodians of sport development in the province, I commit myself to assist runners through our statutory body, the Limpopo Sport Confederation led by its president, Aly Pole. As I conclude, allow me to wish all the runners well, good health and will be seeing you when you return, hopefully with a top sport finish.
All the best
