INSPIRATION
Teachers United
Just one of the great stories to come out of last year ’ s Run Your City ( RYC ) Series Heritage Day Virtual Run saw 25 teachers , including the Principal , of Dagbreek Primary School , take to the road in unity , and they brought a whole group of eager learners with them , and even some SA international running stars !
The COVID-19 pandemic has been extremely hard for most people , with social distancing and shutdowns forcing a whole new way of life , and of performing jobs . This has been particularly hard for teachers , who for much of last year were forced to get their heads around trying to teach via virtual classrooms and Zoom calls , while still trying to foster that essential teacher-learner relationship that good teaching relies on .
In Carletonville , on the West Rand of Gauteng , the teachers at Dagbreek Primary School therefore made sure to stay in touch as much as possible , in order to support and motivate each other , and that saw them sign up en masse for the Run Your City Series Heritage Day Virtual Run on 24 September . Not only did they train together , but they also motivated a number of learners to join them in healthy running activities , and come ‘ race day ’ quite a few learners also ran the event , or came out to support and second the runners . On top of that , they were also joined on the day by a couple of SA international running stars , Olympian and SA 5000m record holder Elroy Gelant , and former African junior sprint champion Tamzin Thomas .
Building the Team Spirit
According to Pieter van Heerden , Principal at the school , the Virtual Run proved to be a great teambuilding exercise for both the teachers and learners at the school . “ It became a great opportunity for the school and friends of the school to motivate and support one another in these trying times . Team-building exercises are extremely important , as personal wellness is key in our line of work , and we supported and motivated each other while preparing for the Virtual Run together . We were extremely
excited to run on Heritage Day and challenged all neighbouring schools to join in on the fun .”
Grade 7 Social Science Teacher and Grade 2 – 7 Life Orientation Teacher , Thabo Molete , was the driving force behind the school ’ s entry into the event . “ The Virtual Run is the best thing that could ’ ve happened to our school in these trying times . Some of us had been training during the year to stay fit and healthy , but without any goals . That is , until the Run Your City Series launched the Virtual Run ,” he says enthusiastically .
“ Now there was a goal to work towards together , and we had many first-timers start to train with us . Also , it ’ s always a nice experience to run and explore the city , and even more exciting is to run with your colleagues . We are a fantastic team , and the goal was to see who could have the most fun on the day . And once done , we obviously had to close off with a braai !”
Motivational Moment
Of course , Thabo is no stranger to the RYC Series , but as one of the regular commentators at the series events , as well as at many top level track and field meets ,
his usual role is to motivate and entertain the runners . This time , however , he was lacing up his own running shoes , and competing for the coveted title of Fastest Commentator in the much anticipated “ Battle of the Commentators ” challenge , going up against fellow commentators Altus Schreuder , Sipho Mona and Sean Falconer .
While he says he had incredible fun taking part in this challenge , Thabo says the highlight of the day for him was seeing so many of his teaching colleagues and learners also lacing up their takkies and hitting the road together , and getting to help make the day special for them . “ My normal job on event day is to create an amazing vibe , and it was no different here for this virtual run , but then I got to join in the running as well for a change .”
“ At school , my kids and colleagues kind of think I ’ m crazy , but for the first time they got to experience me in my element , where I get on the mike and my introverted , shy self disappears . I think it ’ s worth mentioning that I even got a competitive side out of our Principal . It ’ s all about connecting people with their brand , and these are the amazing moments that sports participation blesses us with . And of course , having Elroy and Tamzin running with us , just pushed us into the stratosphere , because we truly were among the stars . What a day !”
16 Run Your City Series