On 12 October, Lesedi Athletic Club hosted its 3rd inaugural awards ceremony, which was also the first held since the COVID pandemic in 2020. This milestone event, held at Leondale Hall, celebrated the outstanding athletic achievements of its members, particularly in the field of running.
Athletes were acknowledged not only for their competitive victories but also for their consistent participation and commitment to the sport.
The club, which separated from the Boksburg Athletics Club during apartheid to promote a passion for athletics in the Vosloorus community, has grown significantly since it was founded in 1989. It now functions as both a sports club and a non-profit organization (NPO), supporting
athletes but also giving back to the community. It has become a cornerstone for both aspiring and seasoned athletes.
Linda Gift Ladlokova, chairperson and public relations officer of Lesedi Athletic Club (LAC), said that it is important to recognise runners not only to keep them motivated but also to ensure that they don’t run out of steam as they prepare for other races ahead of them like the Sanlam.
Marathon (Cape Town), Comrades Marathon (Durban), and Two Oceans (Cape Town).
“Training for any race demands a great deal of dedication, with people waking up in the early hours of the morning to prepare for their races. That is why it is important for us as a club to recognize and reward people for their hard work to keep them motivated. As a club, we show
our appreciation because we believe that whenever our members compete, no matter where they are, they represent Vosloorus,” Ladlokova said.
“We wish to do more, however clubs from the township aren’t necessarily doing well financially. This is sad because most disadvantaged ones are the ones that are also most talented – especially in development,” he said.
Absalom Masilela (58) stood out among the distinguished achievers at the ceremony, earning the highest honor for finishing 20 Comrades Marathons consecutively. Masilela said that he felt blessed and happy to receive his award because he was not keeping track of this, as initially he
started running with comrades as a social outing.
“Before I was running I had problems with sinuses and flu, but ever since I started running this has been under control. My concern for my health is what keeps me running, it motivates me because I never have to worry about issues of hypertension.”
“I started running casually until I met the former chairperson of Lesedi AC Thami, who introduced and encouraged me to participate in the Comrades Marathon because he noticed my strengths,” Masilela said.
“Now as I prepare for the next race, for me the next big thing is to also help people like my neighbor who have come to me to seek mentorship. But, as long as I don’t have an injury I will continue running,” he said.
The club members are now fully engaged in training for their next marathons, with members of the community and surrounding areas encouraged to be part of the club’s local activities and training session for its annual reconciliation day half marathon which will be taking part on the 16th of December 2024.
Entries to this race close on 13th December 2024, and entrants can register on www.peaktiming.co.za to be part of those who can win a pair of running in the finishers competition.
You can follow Lesedi AC on FB for more updates.
By Motshabi Hoane
