ROAD RUNNING fundraising done as part of sporting challenges , all in an effort to make a difference in the lives of the underprivileged .
Hazel , Keshnie and Chantel
Jeffrey , Daniel , June , Chantel and Linda
Another of his goals is to build a unique sports training facility in rural KZN . “ My vision was fuelled by driving through the area and seeing the vast expanse of land available , coupled with the extreme poverty of its people ,” says Haroon . “ I have been busy in the Central Drakensberg region for years now , acquiring land for various social upliftment projects , but the main reason for relocation to this area is to build a sports training facility at an altitude that lends itself it to maximum training benefit . I also want to create an off the grid , self-sustainable community with job creation ventures , to empower the people from an entrepreneurship , skills and agricultural perspective .”
While that project is steadily progressing , Haroon is also focusing on dedicated fundraising projects like the Charity Run , and he says it is not just about how much money they can raise , but also about inspiring others . “ I believe that the stories of the athletes who participated will show people how sport can push the body and mind to unbelievable levels , to accomplish the seemingly impossible , and all done selflessly to help other people . That is why I asked each of them to each write of their experience on the run , as I believe that these are motivational stories that should be shared .”
For more on the Akanani Sports and Recreation Development Group , and the Akanani Charity Run , please visit www . akananisports . org . za
The Akanani runners arrive at the finish in Amanzimtoti
Our Akanani Stories
In their own words , here are the stories from each of the Akanani team members , explaining their motivation to join the run , and what the experience was like out on the road .
June & Daniel Smith
After thoroughly enjoying last year ’ s run for a great cause , we were very honoured to be asked again to run in 2021 . The Bobbi Bear Foundation is something that lies very close to our hearts , and doing what we love to try and help support them is really the least we can do to make a difference in the lives of those poor abused babies . The pain and suffering we endure on those runs does not even come close to what those little babies must go through . It ’ s very sad .
However , 2021 was not without its challenges for us as a family . After being retrenched at the beginning of lockdown in 2020 , we were under tremendous financial strain in 2021 , just like many other families , I ’ m sure . To make matters worse , in July 2021 my mom passed away , and in August June ’ s dad was diagnosed with terminal cancer and subsequently passed away in November .
Between caring for our parents , there was very little time for training , and we were not sure if we were even going to be able to do the run . Haroon was always very understanding and told us he will keep our spot just in case we feel up for the challenge .
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