Modern Athlete Magazine Issue 121, August 2019 | Page 65

MULTISPORT
A Family
Effort
Everybody gets in on the action when the Stemmet
family of Cape Town signs up for an endurance event.
From running, cycling and swimming to all the multisport
disciplines, this awesome foursome (and sometimes the
extended family, too) are all in! – BY PJ MOSES
RETURN TO FITNESS
Born in Wynberg and raised in Surrey Estate, Cape Town, Ameen led the way for
this sporting family when he began exercising in 2011. “I started walking around
the Rondebosch Common because I wanted to increase my fitness levels, as I had
not been active since my high school days, when I competed in track and field
events, plus played cricket for Montrose Cricket Club. But all my sport took a back
seat when I went to University and my academics became the focus.”
“So in 2011 I decided that I would go to the Common about twice a week for a run/
walk. Then I got chatting to a colleague at work who was a long distance runner,
and he advised me that I should join a running club, as it would help with group
training and motivation. I joined the Top Form Athletics Club the following year, and I
immediately liked the team spirit and camaraderie in the club, as everyone encourages
and motivates the next person. I haven’t looked back since I made that choice.”
After several years of mainly running, Ameen took part in his first triathlon event
at the Discovery Cape Town Triathlon in 2015. “It was a real eye-opener for
Thakira and Ameen often
run races together
O
ne of the most positive aspects of endurance sports, besides the health
benefits, is that they are generally doable by just about anybody. Most
people can run or walk, and swimming and cycling are also widely
practised sporting activities. Most events also make these sports accessible by
offering entry-level distances, like 5km fun runs in conjunction with longer running
events, or kids’ cycling and swimming events, done in a safe environment where
families can participate together. This allows parents to accompany their kids in
their first events, and help show them the ins and outs of the sports.
One of the families that has embraced this to the fullest extent is the Stemmet
family of Cape Town. Ameen and his wife Thakira do their best in busy lives to
find a balance for their kids, Abdu-Razeen (14) and Taariq (11), to enjoy a healthy,
sporty upbringing. As parents, they try to lead by example, and thus the four have
completed many running, swimming and multisport events as a family.
For example, they have traditionally made a weekend of it in Clanwilliam for the
Freshpak Fitness Festival, with the boys taking part in the kids’ biathlon events
and then mom and dad tackling the duathlon or triathlon later in the day. And
throughout, all four have big smiles on their faces, chat happily with one and all,
and snap pics for the family album as they enjoy the challenge while supporting
each other. It’s a real fun, family affair.
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