The founder of Run4Schools in Mitchells Plain, Frank Steyn, wants to start a junior running group where he will concentrate on long distance and road running.
The 34-year-old marathon runner says he was inspired with the idea after he saw potential in the areas he works in on the Cape Flats, and wants to nurture aspiring athletes.
In 2019 and 2020, Frank completed the Two Oceans ultramarathon in aid of hungry children in Mitchells Plain.
His programme sees more than 5000 laaities from various schools in Mitchells Plain participate in fitness programmes, and raised just over R130 000 in 2019 which went towards buying school shoes for more than 1000 learners.
Frank told the Daily Voice: “I have now decided to start a junior running group.
“I will solely concentrate on distance and road running.
“I have seen a lot of potential in the areas I work in and it’s going to waste.”
He says due to Covid-19, the groups will be kept small.
“If you see potential within a few young people that can take the sport to the next level feel, free to let me know.
“I will do this twice a week starting from 16 February and for now I will train on a Tuesday and Thursday from 5pm to 6pm.”
Frank says youngsters should keep dreaming big.
“We see that a lot of athletes at school have the drive, passion and ability for the sports until they end high school, then they forget their talent for sports because there is a lack of opportunity after school. So they lose interest in sports as there is no support.”
Kids aged 10 to 19 years old can get involved and register with Frank via email at fsteyn87@gmail.com.
venecia.america@inl.co.za