There is a saying that goes: Give people their flowers while they are still alive; Norman Ontong of Fit2Run should receive his bunch soon.
The former teacher, rugby player, Comrades and 2 Oceans runner has been involved in this non-profit organisation, which aims to uplift aspiring athletes in the Breede River Valley.
Ontong, the face of the organisation that shaped and formed current South African 3 000 m steeplechase champion Chenique Sas, says he does it all with love.
He says the establishment of the organisation stems from the idea to give children who hail from underprivileged communities the opportunity to compete on regional, provincial and even national level.
In his coaching work Ontong has had to be a safe haven for his athletes.
“I have to play different roles to these children,” he says.
This is qualified by Sas herself, who shared that Ontong has been “everything” in her life.
“He has supported and showed up for me on many different levels,” she said.
However, the athletes’ achievements do not come easily.
“We have a huge problem with funds and we can’t rely on parents to get the athletes to competitions,” Ontong points out.
Coupled with that, there is no support from the Athletics Federation.
Ontong coaches the group of athletes daily from 17:00 at no cost.
“I can’t ask for a fee, because these children come from underprivileged communities.”
The only form of funding the organisation depends on is a WhatsApp group called Friends of Fit2Run, which comprises Ontong’s friends.
Despite all the financial constrains, the athletes affiliated to the organisation, keep him going.
“They work hard and make all of this worthwhile,” Ontong said.
“They are agile and perfect the steeple jumps because they grow up playing all sorts of games.”
Speaking on the vision of the organisation and whether they have reached their goal, he says: “At the beginning we struggled to get medals at athletics meetings, but now we are on track.
“Our athletes also get better recognition in terms of attending schools that can offer them better opportunities.”
To make a contribution to Fit2Run, Ontong can be contacted on 083 398 5922.
