IN an effort to help the less fortunate, actress and businesswoman Thandy Matlaila, will run the annual Cape Town Marathon.
This is to raise funds for the Run Alex Club/Development, an NGO based in Alexandra township, a stone throw-away from the glitzy Sandton.
The Cape Town Marathon will take place on 19th and 20th, October 2024.
Through her NPO Thandokazi Foundation, started in 2022, whose aim is to help raise funds for young men and women who are struggling to acquire the gear and resources needed to participate in athletics at the regional and national level.
“We have a lot of young athletes in our respective communities and Alex is one of them, that boasts those unknown athletes, who only need a bit of a push in a right direction, for them to prosper and compete, be it locally and internationally, says Thandy.
“This opportunity open doors for them to be athletes in their own right, and with the support from everyone, these young boys and girls, can and will grace big stages in the country and globally, hence the request for support such as sporting gears, training materials and financial support.”
Run Alex was formed in 2018 as an organization to introduce healthy lifestyle choices for the community of Alexandra. In 2020 the organization registered Run Alex Athletics Club, in 2021 the organization formed Run Alex Juniors to focus on children between the ages of 8 and 19.
They cater for at least 45 children.
The Thandokazi Foundation aims to bridge the gap by providing a platform be it individual or an organization to provide that support to these kids, and also instill dignity and boost their confidence by providing running apparel, mainly running shoes and sports bras.
“Many of these young athletes participate in the CGA cross-country league, often running barefoot or in inadequate footwear and worn-out shorts. By addressing these needs, Thandy aims to ensure that every athlete can compete comfortably and confidently.
Studies have shown that inadequate gear can reduce an athletes performance by up to 30%.
Furthermore, young athletes without proper equipment are twice as likely to suffer from injuries. These factors combined significantly hinder their ability to compete at their best and achieve their athletic goals.
Research also indicates that athletes with appropriate sportswear experience a performance boost of up to 20%.
Herself, has participated, and still does, in other races in the country, when not gracing our screens on various soapies or running her PR company Aptitude.
On athletes she opined that: “Most athletes make a lot of money from various races but they don’t know how to manage it. Like acting, their income is seasonal and don’t know how to make sure it stretch through all the seasons.
My dad, who’s in finance, ensured that I never get excited about the big cheques as they sometimes need to last me longer than normal”, warned Thandy.
Now, the people of Alex and other areas, this a clarion call to support Run Alex Club/Development, by supporting Thandy to achieve this dream to help ‘our young athletes’ by making donations.
Visit the Back A Buddy website, where you will find a dedicated section for contributions to the Run Alex Club.
Back A Buddy is Africa’s most trusted crowd-funding platform for causes ranging from healthcare to disaster relief.
For more information go to: www.aptitudeconsulting.co.za
The raising of funds for the Run Alex Club takes place in Cape Town on both 19 and 20 October 2024, respectively.
Image (Cover girl. Athlete and businesswoman Thandy Matlaila gracing the cover of a sport magazine).
