As a gesture of appreciation and ploughing back into a community they have been working with, Eastern Province Athletics (EPA), together with the Nelson Mandela University Tanks Coding programme, donated 60 pairs of school shoes to the Colchester Primary School recently.
The donation was made during the launch of the first 10km road running series in Colchester.
The shoe prices vary according to size, but the average price of each pair is estimated at R120.
Representing EPA at the ceremony, held at the McKay Bridge Angling Club in Colchester, was its vice president, Irene van Eeden.
Godfrey Jacobs, a community leader, received the donation on behalf of the school. He was accompanied by four learners from the school.
Speaking at the donation, Van Eeden said they were showing their appreciation to the school, and the entire Colchester community, for their support of the road races which are held there.
She said the school’s learners often assisted during racing events.
At the 10km race, the learners were at water points, giving out water to the runners.
“We felt we should give back to the community where we host our race.
“This is also part of the Legacy Project; it’s part of our social responsibility,” said Van Eeden.
She also thanked their partners for the donation – the Nelson Mandela University Tanks Coding programme – although they were not represented at the occasion.
Jacobs thanked EPA and the NMU for “their generous act”.
“It is a beautiful thing to be able to do something like this for our community. We really appreciate the gesture. This race has been happening in Colchester for some time now, and it is benefiting the community – it’s a development project and we support it and appreciate,” said Jacobs.
