NGWENYA – Umbutfo Eswatini Defence Force (UEDF) runner Nkululeko Gama and Nosi Dlamini were crowned champions of the Ngwenya Mountain Trail Challenge.
The duo claimed the 21km titles in the men’s and women’s categories respectively yesterday in a race that started and finished at Ngwenya Glass. They each received a gift box of glassware, as did the top three finishers in the 21km, 12.5km and 7km categories.
The 12.5km winners were Mzwandile Mdluli in men’s category and Debby Hawley in the women’s division, while Lolo Mamba and Lindelwa Dlamini took the 7km titles.
Around 300 runners took part in the event, which aimed to raise awareness of the challenges faced by people living with disabilities and to raise funds for Cheshire Homes to build a hydrotherapy pool.
Ngwenya Glass Managing Director (MD) Chas Prettejohn appreciated the support shown by the runners for a good cause. He said they were delighted to host an event that would help fund a healing facility for people living with disabilities. He said, currently, patients rely on Cuddle Park in Ezulwini, but he believed CheshireHomes clients needed their own dedicated space. Prettejohn added that they plan to stage the event again next year and hoped to attract more than 500 participants.
Meanwhile, Cheshire Homes Board Chairman Themba Dlamini, speaking on behalf of patron Inkhosikati Lantentesa, thanked the nation for supporting events that help drive their projects.
“Thank you to companies that have made this event a success, and may I say I expect everybody who is currently in partnership with us to be there forever because we need your support to attain our goals,” Dlamini said.
The hydrotherapy pool currently costs E180 000, of which about E70 000 has already been raised, according to Cheshire Homes Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Dumsani Msibi. Msibi said they needed funding not only for this project but for many other initiatives as well.
Podium finishers;
Men’s 21km
1. Nkululeko Gama
2: Bongani Jele
3: Mlamuli Zwane
Women’s 21km;
1. Nosi Dlamini
2. Mandisa Nhlabatsi
3. Bongekile Magagula
Men’s 12.5km
1.Mzawandile Simelane
2. Mbuso Fakudze
3. Menzi Dlamini
Women’s 12.5km;
1.Debby Hawley
2. Sophie Martin
3. Wendy Reed
Men’s 7km;
2.Lolo Mamba
2. Chris Mdluli
3. Micheal Mquire
Women’s 7km;
1. Lindelwa Dlamini
2. Nikki Taakis
3. Patricia Cawood
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