Modern Athlete Magazine Issue 122, September 2019 | Page 6

Have Your SAY LETTERS Got something on your mind that you want to share, a burning question you want answered, or a good story to tell? Then send it to [email protected], and add a pic if you can. Letters should preferably be no more than 300 words long, and pics must be high-resolution to be usable in print. (Note that letters may be shortened due to space limitations.) YOUNGSTER WITH A CARING HEART It’s not every day that a child gets a selfless idea and then takes the bold step and sees it through to fruition. This young lady, Inge-Mari Loots from Strand in the Western Cape, can easily spend her time watching her favourite show or playing with the newest toy, but at the tender age of six, she decided to rather devote her time to a cause greater than herself, a selfless act that not even the likes of many adults would think of, the cause being the act of kindness. Not the random act of kindness that we fulfil when we are having a good day... No, it’s the intentional act of kindness to those having a terrible day. If you have ever spent a day in the emergency room, casualties ward or ICU, then you know how grim and emotional the experience can be. The moments before surgery can be unnerving. This troubled Inge-Mari’s young mind. She acknowledged the gruelling journey so many endure when going through hardship, especially children. Now her mother, a seasoned marathon athlete, had several medals lying around. She opened her mother’s bedside table drawer and stared down at several athletic medals gathering dust, and came up with the idea that they should award it to all the children confronted with surgery at The Red Cross War Memorial Children’s Hospital in Rondebosch, for their bravery. She called them the champions battling wars that few can fully comprehend, and her mother could not have been more proud. So they contacted their local running club, Strand Athletics Club, where her mother is a member, and asked them to join in the cause. The members instantaneously agreed and donated all of their unwanted medals that they have gathered over the span of years. Next up, they contacted a lovely local company called, Sauce-ing, who agreed to design and print the stickers to be placed on the medals, honouring the children’s bravery, free of charge. Finally, they called the Hospital to ask if they were willing to accept the medals, and BACK2BACK MEMORIES Just thought I would share some thoughts on my journey to achieving a Back2Back at Comrades, which has given me memories I will still be remembering when I get to my 70’s. 2018 WAS THE FIRST YEAR OF TRYING THE ULTIMATE RACE... It wasn’t easy. It was like learning as I went along. Had to help out a friend and compromise aiming for faster time, but ensure he finishes. Seeing the roof of they responded with great positivity... and that is how the Inge- Mari Loots Rainbow Medal Foundation, in association with Strand Athletics Club, was born. Young Inge-Mari prepared and packaged all the medals herself, and managed to deliver 148 medals in her first year (2018). She has now collected over 500 donated medals, with the help of so many athletes, and she and her mother are now in the process of packaging their third delivery. They want to continue to do this for years to come. One may feel that a medal is a small gesture, but it reiterates that in life the smallest acts of kindness create a domino-effect that can transform a frown to a smile, tears of heartache to tears of joy, and the disheartenment of a child to the victory of a fighting champion. None of this would be possible if it wasn’t for the courage of the youthful Inge-Mari, the generosity of Natacia at Sauce-ing, and the donations from the Strand Athletics Club. – Saskia Holtzkampf (Proud Mother), Strand I just love this letter, and it really is incredible to see a six-year-old with such a mature outlook and caring nature. If any other runners would like to share in this wonderful ‘operation,’ you can mail [email protected]. – Ed. Moses Mabhida was like seeing a lake whilst walking in the desert. Crossing the finish line was overwhelming. 2019 WAS THE YEAR OF ENJOYING THE ULTIMATE RACE... Starting point, enjoying singing Shosholoza. Reminiscing memories of the debut run as I went through various landmarks. The Back2Back made me realise that Comrades isn’t just a race, but an event of self-actualisation, and a test of personal ability. I believe if one can overcome the Ultimate Race, no life challenge can be too difficult. – Gaboitsiwe Mogatusi (Gabo #9083) Running the Comrades is a bucket list item for so many South Africans, and that Back2Back medal has enticed many a runner to come back for a second bite at the cherry. Congrats on your three medals, Gabo, and here’s to adding still more to the collection. – Ed 6 ISSUE 122 SEPTEMBER 2019 / www.modernathlete.co.za Paula EDITOR’S PICK