YOUNG DUATHLON ATHLETE EXCITED WITH NEW BICYCLE

By Staff Reporter

BLOEMFONTEIN – Boitumelo Lephaila demonstrated that indeed perseverance is the mother of success, as she knocked on every door to ensure that her son realises his dream of becoming a cyclist.

And when she approached the department of Sport, Arts, Culture and Recreation, little did she know that she would get all assistance she had been seeking for her son’s aspiration.

An aspiring cyclist, 15-year old Tshediso Lephaila of Dr Bohmer Secondary School in Bloemfontein received sponsorship in the form of cycling equipment consisting of a bike, helmet, cycling shoes and cycling clothing to the value of R30 000 from the Free State Department of Sport, Arts, Culture and Recreation.

This after his mother took it upon herself to go to the department to enquire about any available sponsorships for her son, since the lack of adequate equipment had prevented Tshediso from performing to his best.

She was advised to make a formal  request by email or letter, addressed to the Head of Department’s office which Free State Triathlon, together with Tshediso’s coach, drafted, on the family’s behalf. This set in motion the process of acquiring the sponsorship.

After a three-month wait, Tshediso received his equipment at a handing over ceremony of equipment and attire to the Xhariep District farm schools on 16 April. The event was hosted by the Free State Department of Sport, Arts, Culture and Recreation, and the Education Department.

Tshediso’s times in both cycling and running have improved since he received the equipment.

Walter Kotze, the Head of Sport at Dr Böhmer Secondary School, described Tshediso as a quiet and humble leaner. “I was informed that he had received sponsorship from the department and we are proud of him.”

Tshediso will participate in duathlon events of the Free State Triathlon. The Free State championships will take place on 15 May at Brandkop, after which a Free State team will be selected to participate in the South African Duathlon Championships in Port Elizabeth on 20 June.

Tshediso’s mother would like to express her gratitude to the Department of Sport for the sponsorship, and for the opportunity Tshediso received to start his sports career in duathlon.

Tshediso’s biggest dream is to represent South Africa at the Duathlon World Championships one day.”