Modern Athlete Magazine Issue 101, December 2017 | Page 26

Massmart
Launches Women’s
Running Team
In November Team Massmart was launched, featuring a squad of accomplished ultra and long distance
women runners. This initiative is in line with Massmart’s goal to support women in sport and in particular,
the advancement of black athletes.
M
assmart is proud to announce that the
initial members of Team Massmart include
Ann Ashworth, Ramadimetja Lizzy Babili,
Vicky Hansen, Mapaseka Makhanya, Catherine
Malungane, Enie Manzini, Mia van Heerden and Katy
Van Meter. The athletes on the team are well-lauded,
with Makhanya having represented South Africa at
the 2017 IAAF World Championships in London,
while Ashworth took first place at the Loskop 50km
Marathon in Mpumalanga earlier this year.
such a privilege to be able to work with a sponsor as
passionate about the upliftment of female athletes as
we are,” says Ashworth. “Inspired by top performances
by South African male athletes at the World 100km
champs, and motivated by a deep desire to ensure
that South African ladies race at the forefront of our
local ultra-distance events, I wanted to launch a team
focused on aspiration and excellence. Partnering
“While working on our ‘Sports in a Box’ kit, where we
provide sporting equipment to children, we became
aware that little was being done to promote road
running,” says Massmart Communication Manager
Annaleigh Vallie. “In our view it is one of the more
accessible sports, with the barrier to entry being a
little less daunting, making it an inclusive sport. We
knew we had to do something more, and as fate
would have it, Ann Ashworth approached us with her
vision for an ultra-distance women’s team. We were
so impressed by her credentials, her approach and
commitment to advancing the running careers of
women, that we knew we had to get involved.”
Massmart has committed to sponsor the team for
three years, and the sponsorship will include travel, kit,
accommodation and specialised training camps. “It is
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ISSUE 101 DECEMBER 2017 / www.modernathlete.co.za
with Massmart is a dream come true for our carefully
selected team of ladies, who will now have the
opportunity to reach their full athletic potential.”
Massmart is hoping the team will not only take top
honours at future road running events but serve as
role models for future generations. You can follow
the team on Twitter and Facebook: @TeamMassmart