Nedbank and The Sports Trust enabled 300 learners from 10 schools to run the KwaZulu-Natal Youth Race for the third year in a row through the provision of shoes and kits. The race took place a day before Comrades Marathon, which is co-sponsored by Nedbank.
Photo: KZN Youth Race – Miss SA Rolene Strauss pictured with runners
The race exposes youngsters to the joys and benefits of running, while providing them with an opportunity to be part of the Comrades Marathon experience. The programme is supported by KZN Athletics and has contributed R500 000 to over 600 learners since 2012.
“At Nedbank, we are committed to the development of sport in South Africa, as it aids in the creation of future sporting stars while also enabling young people to live active and healthy lifestyles,” said Maseda Ratshikuni, Head for Cause Marketing at Nedbank.
Through its longstanding relationship with The Sports Trust, Nedbank has contributed over R20 million to the development of sport through the Nedbank Sport Affinity Programme. Since 1994, The Sports Trust has disbursed more than R60 million to nearly 600 projects.
“Sports development is one of Nedbank’s key Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) focus areas and road running in particular is a category that Nedbank has identified as being an ideal sport in which to play a role. This sponsorship illustrates our drive to help cultivate a culture and passion for road running, athletics and sport in general in South Africa,” said Ratshikuni.
The Sports Trust is one of the official charities of the Comrades Marathon and through their partnership with Nedbank, The Sports Trust is able to make a meaningful contribution towards communities.
“This programme has proven hugely successful over the last few years and The Sports Trust is grateful to Nedbank for enabling this initiative to run for a third consecutive year. One of the learners, Mvelo Nkomo, represented KwaZulu-Natal province at the Sub-Youth/Youth/Junior (SYYJ) Championships recently held at Stellenbosch, Western Cape. This initiative demonstrates our aim of enhancing education through sport in South Africa,” said Anita Mathews, Executive Director of The Sports Trust.
Road running is just one of the prominent sporting categories that Nedbank invests in, with others including golf, soccer, cycling and sport for people with disabilities.