Take Your Teddy to Work Day

Everybody remembers their first teddy bear – and for many of us, they remain a source of comfort and companionship well into our adult life. Some enjoy a jetsetting lifestyle with their glamorous owners, others simply get a space  next to the pillow and a cuddle before bed.

Allowing your favourite furry friend to hang out with you at work or at play, the annual international fun day, Take your Teddy Bear to Work day is being observed worldwide tomorrow, (Saturday). Showing off their furry friends are twin sisters Nicola Eaton Gutzeit (in white) and Melissa Eaton (in blue) from Margate with Fudgey the dog and Wartie the Warthog. The twins both have a keen passion for wild life, animals and game reserves with a soft spot for dogs and warthogs.

The two golfing sisters are gearing up for the upcoming Cell C SA Women’s Open tournament that starts next week (16 – 19 October) at the picturesque course at San Lameer Country Club. Fudgey and Wartie will be accompanying the twins as they tackle the greens along with a strong field of international and national golfers.

The Teddy Bear made famous by American President, Theodore Rosevelt in 1902 is an essential item when growing up and often these furry little friends turn into great travelling companions and good luck charms. They hang off tog-bags in a variety of sporting codes.

Olympic Bronze Medallist, Bridgitte Hartley admits, “I have teddy bears as I love the little mascots. I have collected them from Olympics and some world championship events but they aren’t my lucky charms. Most of them sit proudly at my Mom’s house in Richard’s Bay. My little furry friends come from the Beijing and London Olympics, a bear from Canada and my most recent addition is one from Russia. I have Mandeville and Wenlock from London, Nini from Beijing, a Takalani Sesame Street bear from Canada where I won my k1 1000m medal at world champs in 2009. I guess London was special from my medal, so I collected a few bears there. I also have a white bear from my Pretoria High School reunion. I would say my bears are more like memories than lucky charms.”

Local lass, Olympic Marathon Runner Tanith Maxwell travels with her teddy bear. Durban’s top athlete states, “It is a small ‘wee fuzz’ bear simply named Fuzz. He is extremely special because he comes from a collector in New Zealand!”

Canadian Olympic bobsledder, American Basketball player and Hollywood actor, Howard Dell who shattered records in last year’s World Transplant Games in Durban travels with his fluffy bunny. Dell states, “Oddly I affectionately call him Bunny but his real name is Luther. He isn’t travelling with me at the moment as I compete in Romania but usually he does!” the gorgeous athlete said.

Admitting to having a lucky charm, Olympic Marathon runner Rene Kalmer who has just returned from Berlin having run a personal best time, always travels with her lucky pillow.

Golfing great, Tiger Woods lucky charm is wearing a red shirt on Sundays at major tournaments and has since he stepped onto the professional stage. The colour is said to honour is alma mater, Stanford , and it is believed it is his mother’s favourite colour. His niece, Cheyenne  will be one of the top players participating in the Cell C SA Women’s Open tournament.

South Africa’s oldest women’s professional golf tournament will feature the country’s leading professionals competing against a strong international field representing at least 20 countries for a total purse of €320 000. The tournament will be co-sanctioned by the Ladies European Tour and the Women’s Professional Golf Association of South Africa.

For more info visit www.sawomensopen.co.za

Pix by Justin Klusener and supplied by athletes

Kalmer wins the Pietermaritzburg SPAR Women's 10km

KALMER WINS PIETERMARITZBURG SPAR WOMEN’S 10KM

It was pretty much a solo run for Rene Kalmer as she took top honours in the Pietermaritzburg SPAR Women’s 10km today in a time of 34.13 on an icey winter’s morning in KZN’s Capital.

The field of 3800 participants braved the cold as the temperature plummeted to 2 degrees earlier this morning but had risen to about 5 degrees at the start of the race.

“This is the first time I have run this race in Pietermaritzburg, and I was happy with my performance. I felt very strong. The weather didn’t bother me – we are used to these temperatures in Johannesburg.” said Kalmer who sliced off 1 minute 11 seconds from last year’s winner Jenna Challenor’s time of 35.24.

Second and third place were owned by Nolene Conrad and Sithulisiwe Zhou both also running their debut Pietermaritzburg races.

Capetonian Nolene Conrad, who has been concentrating on her marathon running, sailed into the finish in second place in a time of 35.37. “I had a good race , but it was a bit of a difficult run with all the hills. My legs were really cold and only in the last three kilometres did I feel like I warmed up.” 

Zimbabwean Sithulisiwe Zhou was over the moon with her third position in a time of 36.16. “It was fantastic.” she enthused, “I am training for the Mandela Marathon, so I am really pleased to have been able to run with such elite runners like Rene and Nolene .”

Going through the halfway mark, Kalmer looked at complete ease as she took the palm-lined avenue up the hill through Alexandra Park a good 20 seconds ahead of Conrad.

KZN’s Tanith Maxwell, running in and winning in her category (35-39), came in fourth.

“Once again there was a great spirit amongst the participants at this year’s race.” said Rob Philipson, MD SPAR KZN. “Despite the bitter cold, the mood was festive and fun-filled, clearly dispelling all myths about this being Sleepy Hollow.”

“We are encouraged that this race is growing in stature and we are attracting elite runners such as Rene, Nolene, Tanith and Sithulisiwe.” Philipson continued.

A sum of R10 200 raised from a percentage of the entry fees was donated to the race charity CHOC.

The next SPAR Women’s 10/5km in KZN will take place on Sunday August 24 in Durban and is part of the SPAR Grand Prix.

Results

10KM

Open

1 Rene Kalmer (Modern Athlete) 34.13, 2 Nolene Conrad (Boxer AC) 35.37, 3 Sithulisiwe Zhou (Phantane) 36.16, 4 Tanith Maxwell (Boxer AC) 36.43, Keneilwe Sesing (Nedbank) 37.13

9-11

1 Thabelo Tshishonga 1.25.47, 2 Tasmiyah Essack 1.33.11, 3 Kendra Visagie 1.48.04

12-14

1 Kaydie Gouws 1.46.49, 2 Kate-Lyn Gouws 1.47.52, 3 Milan Comley 1.50.06

15 – 19

1 Nontlantla Gcinia 40.34, 2 Mbali Mtshali 40.37, 3 Nomusa Xaba 42.41

35 – 39

1 Tanith Maxwell (Boxer AC) 36.43, 2 Nonsikelelo Mbambo (Natal Carbineers) 41.37, 3 Michelle Ellis 44.05

40-49

1 Suzette Botha (Eskom) 38.36, 2 Janene Carey (Boxer AC) 39.21, 3 Marilise Vermaak 43.52

50 -59

1 Janine Engels (Westville Athletics) 44.23, 2 Jenny Taylor 54.27, 3 Trish Botton (Natal Carbineers) 1.00.09

60+

1 Judith Grove (Hilton Harriers) 49.53, 2 Jane Dickson 50.24, 3 Sandra Fismer (Hilton Harriers) 50.36

5KM

1 Londeka Mweli 20.20, 2 Nombuso Ndamane 20.21, 3 Sinenhlanhla Zondi 20.33, 4 Fezeka Mchunu 20.47, 5 Sthandile Dladla 21.16

-ENDS

June 22, 2014

On The Couch with SA Olympic Marathon Runner Tanith Maxwell

Caught up with SA Olympic Marathon Runner, Tanith Maxwell after she came ninth in the Berlin 25km race. She is preparing for the upcoming SPAR Women's 10/5km Race

1 Favourite dessert / sweet?

Desserts in general are a favourite, but I guess crème brûlée edges ahead of everything else!

2 Favourite movie?

Enjoy historical movies, but I think 'atonement' stands out above the rest!

3 If you could go see any band live, who would it be?

I honestly don't know! I like music, but am not into live concerts so nothing comes to mind!

4 Have you ever arrived at an event and discovered you didn’t have your running shoes?

Not quite as bad as no shoes, but I did arrive with no liners in my shoes! It was a very hard run and the blisters were dreadful!

5 Best road trip to an event?

I think it has to be traveling down to race the 'Voet of Afrika' in Bredasdorp! Had never been there and I had quite a raucous bunch of runners that I had organized a lift with! Not the usual way I travel to events!

6 A moment that stands out for you while competing?

I think stepping onto Tower Bridge in London during the Virgin London Marathon! It's such an amazing landmark and to have the whole bridge to yourself makes it extra special!

7 What do you think about while running?

Get asked this a lot and I really have to sit and think about it! Easy runs I can think about literally anything, but harder training sessions ......well then nothing!

8 Best conditions to run in?

Being a Durbanite I like the warmer conditions! Tried to run a race in March in Poland and couldn't get my legs to function properly!

9 If you could shake anyone’s hand and hang out with them for half an hour, who would it be?

The Queen, Queen Elizabeth! Have always been an avid supporter of the English monarchy and Queen Elizabeth is a remarkable figure!

10 A day in the life of an SA Marathon runner entails…

Gosh there is not much besides eating, training and sleeping! It really does get that monotonous and boring during heavy training!

11 Best part of the London Olympics?

Have to give you two! First, walking into the stadium for the opening ceremony and the second coming down the finish of the Olympic marathon in the Mall outside Buckingham Palace! Both magical moments!

12 Favourite destination?

Love Scotland! Nothing beats training in the highlands around a picturesque loch! The weather can let you down though!

13 New Year’s resolutions – did you make any and have you stuck to it / broken them yet

Don't make New Year’s resolutions! Some friends and family tend to make for me, but I never stick to those either!

14 Early morning catches the worm or late night owl?

Definitely an early worm, fade significantly from 9pm!

15 Sugar or spice?

Sugar, can't get enough!

16 10km or Marathon?

Marathon for sure! Don't have the zippy 10km speed!

17 Left or Right foot first

Right! I'm right handed and not very coordinated!

18 Rugby, soccer or Cricket? (Give team names)

Has to be rugby, and it's the sharks all the way!

YMCA World Basketball Challenge Hoop Springs Eternal

The opening shot, Philani Mabaso from SPAR Amazulu FC was the first participant to stand on the line shooting a hoop to get into the Guinness World Records at the YMCA Hoop Springs Eternal down in Albert Park.

Inspector Luke Kalidin from the Albert Park Metro Police gears up to shoot a hoop at the YMCA Hoop Springs Eternal.

Kristin Degou from PeacePlayers International shows a young ball player the steps.

The interest, the queue to shoot a hoop.

Participating in the Guinness World Record attempt, Olympic Marathon Runner from Kloof, Tanith Maxwell is pictured shooting a hoop at the YMCA Hoop Springs Eternal on Saturday in Albert Park. Durban had two venues where people were able to shoot a hoop and tallied up a total of 1,925 people in the global basketball challenge. South Africa had four centres participating, Soweto, Athlone in Cape Town and Student Y at the Howard Campus joined Albert Park in the challenge. Maxwell was number 167 to shoot a hoop, having arrived early to participate and Olympic Hockey Player and current South African captain Lenise Marais joined in the fun activities being number 773 to be recorded to shoot.

Participating in the global basketball challenge, Albert Park residents Jared Anthony (12 years old) and Nicholas Govender (10 years old) enjoyed the day’s activities at the YMCA Hoop Springs Eternal. 1,925 people in Durban took part in the Guinness World Record attempt that had over 70 countries around the world enjoying the sport that the YMCA invented.

Saturday’s Guinness World Record basketball attempt saw a variety of games being played, pictured here is Timo Nzombo from Albert Park United as he goes high in an effort pass during the game against the PeacePlayers International. Americans Kyler McClary and Kristin Degou defend as the Albert Park United player attacks in the exhibition game at the YMCA Hoop Springs Eternal global basketball challenge.

Young and old all lined up to shoot a hoop on the day.

Debby Van Der Heerver dribbles the ball up in a fun game at the YMCA Hoop Springs Eternal global basketball challenge, the Bluff resident was part of the Guinness World Record attempt.

Olympic hockey player and current South African captain, Lenise Marias smiles before shooting a hoop during the Guinness World Record attempt, Marias was the 773th person to shoot at Albert Park at the YMCA Hoop Springs Eternal.

  

YMCA World Challenge Hoop Springs Eternal

Durban: Albert Park: 13 October

A fabulously successful day saw hundreds of people of all walks of life come down to Albert Park to participate in the YMCA Hoop Springs Eternal global basketball challenge.

The aim of the fun filled day was to be entered into the Guinness World Record where YMCA’s from around the world, starting in New Zealand and finishing up in Hawaii, aimed to welcome 5 million people to attempt to shoot a hoop.

The YMCA who invented basketball in 1871 had over 70 countries participating around the world with four centres in South Africa including Student Y at Howard College UKZN and YMCA Central in Albert Park. The number of people that supported the record attempt is over 3 thousand with 925 recorded at Albert Park and 1,000 people at Student Y. The record attempt also included two South African Olympic athletes, Marathon Runner Tanith Maxwell and Hockey Player and current captain, Lenise Marais who both successfully stood on the line, effortlessly finding the centre of the hoop.

The theme of the day was basketball and new comers to the game were treated to a coaching session by the American based Basketball organisation, the PeacePlayers International, as well as watching them in action in an invitational game between the PeacePlayers International and Albert Park United.

Rev Ian Booth CEO of Greater Durban YMCA enthused, “We are astounded by the response of people who came down to participate. Young and old all lined up and were counted.”

Talking about if the Guinness World Record had successfully been broken, Booth continued, “We await the news. The World Alliance of YMCA in Geneva is gathering all the tallies from across the globe. I know that Argentina managed to get over 20,000 people and the Czech Republic recorded 1,174 people. Once the documentation is handed over to the Guinness Book of Records, they have 16 weeks to analyse, so the process is lengthy!”

Close to two thousand people from Durban joined five continents, 96 cities and thousands of fun spirited people in a global celebration of basketball in the hope of creating a Guinness World Record.

YMCA World Basketball Challenge Hoop Springs Eternal

  

Durban: Albert Park: 13 October

Five continents, 96 cities, one day all with one aim, to mobilise 5 million people during a global celebration of shooting hoops in an attempt to create a Guinness World Record on 13 October with the YMCA World Challenge Hoop Springs Eternal.

Basketball originated at the YMCA in 1891. A physical education teacher, Canadian-born James Naismith invented the game when he took a soccer ball and a peach basket into the YMCA gym, thus a new game was born.

The YMCA event will take place in thousands of local communities around the world highlighting a global basketball shoot-out that starts in New Zealand, and ends in Hawaii following the time zone progression. The day’s activities will be connected by live broadcasting and other forms of social media during the day, creating a link with various communities and cultures.

The official count will be around how many people are shooting basketballs on the day, not the actual scoring of the goals.

Rev Ian Booth, CEO of the Greater Durban YMCA stated, “We are hoping that everyone coming to Albert Park will be brave enough to shoot a hoop. The whole day is going to be extremely colourful, along with some competitive action on the court.”

“The day is about fun, but also an opportunity to display what the YMCA is all about. The message we would like to achieve is; make a contribution, get involved in your communities, there are some great things happening. We are creating a safe space for young people,” Booth echoed.

In South Africa, YMCA Athlone in Cape Town will be participating in this record attempt. The common element on the day will be basketball but a number of other attractions will keep the crowd entertained.   In Durban, the day will involve activities for all ages; basketball skill development, friendly basketball games, entertainment, food and tons of fun organised by Greater Durban YMCA.

The International Federation of Basketball (FIBA) and UNESCO are worldwide supporters of the initiative.

The events will be open to everyone. Come down to Albert Park and shoot a hoop, making global history at the YMCA Hoop Springs Eternal Global Challenge on 13 October. 

For more info contact: Thandeka Ntshangase on thandeka@saymca.org.za or 031 305 4496

To follow the event on Facebook like our page South Africa YMCA or Twitter on YMCA_SA

        

Chatting to an Olympic Marathon Runner - Tanith Maxwell

SPAR Weekend Witness 10/5km Women’s Race

Alexandra Park: Sunday 9 September

With the country basking in the midst of the Olympic glory, the Witness had the honour of catching up with South African and Olympic marathon runner, Tanith Maxwell from Kloof yesterday (Thursday), finding out about her Olympic experience ahead of her next race in the SPAR Weekend Witness 10km on Sunday, September 9.

“The excitement and thrill of being part of such a huge event was brilliant! It's been eight years of dreaming of that moment!” a smiling Maxwell expressed.

“I was standing alongside that Olympic torch and to see all those individual flames being pulled together to unite as one big flame is something I will never forget! And stepping into that stadium, for the opening ceremony, in our brightly coloured outfits and hearing the stadium erupt was the best for me!”

Maxwell, who qualified for the marathon when she competed in the Rotterdam Marathon in April this year was one of three South African athletes to qualify, competed in the 42km race and finished the race 81^st overall in a time of 2:40:27. “The weather was typical British weather, with a light rain trickling down so conditions were wet underfoot for most of the race. It wasn’t my fastest but I did my best!”

“I would have to say that my highlight of the games would be standing on the start line of my first Olympic marathon!”

“The route was magical, it took in all the famous landmarks in London! BUT the best part of the race was the support on the side - for the first 5 km I couldn't feel or hear my feet hitting the ground! I will never forget that roar and constant cheering from the crowds!”

Having run the Virgin London Marathon, she explains, “The route was very different from the Virgin London Marathon! The Olympic route was run on multiple loops, starting and finishing in The Mall, while the city marathon starts at Blackheath and finishes in The Mall.”

Revealing if she many anyone more ‘famous than  herself’ she states, “Absolutely! Being in the athletes’ village, I was able to make contact with athletes I have admired and followed with interest on TV and in magazines! I may have even asked for their autographs,” she admits, smiling. “In the dining hall I met up with Sally Pearson, the 100m hurdles gold medallist, Alyson Felix, 200 m gold medallist. I met the number one tennis player Novak Djokavic, at the opening ceremony! And at the warm-up track, Asafa Powell, Mo Farah and so many others that I cannot think of now!”

“The week after my race I spent taking in as much as I could of the Olympic atmosphere! I went to the triathlon event in Hyde Park, the walking events in The Mall and generally made the most of being in the Olympic city! There was so much happening and I made sure I was there!”

Having arrived home a few days ago, she is slowly adjusting back to reality, “It's quite tough getting back home, my ultimate dream is behind me and I need to make decisions as to where I am going from here! For the time being I just want to enjoy my running with no pressures attached! I always enjoy racing so I will incorporate some shorter races, starting with the SPAR Weekend Witness 10km race next month in Pietermaritzburg and then look to a spring marathon in Europe next year!”

Asked what is still on her bucket list, now that she has achieved her dream, “It has to be doing an ultra-marathon - I have always said that I won't stop running until I have tried the likes of a Two Oceans or a Comrades Marathon!”

“I would like to be hopefully remembered as a ' down to earth ' athlete that has represented her province and country from sub junior days. A keen competitor and someone who inspires woman to take up distance running!”

Concluding, the lean running machine enthuses, “My advice to anyone out there would be the dream is never too big or too out of reach! The only demands are 100% dedication, commitment and self-belief! With that Olympic dreams can become a reality!”

Join Tanith on September 9 for Pietermaritzburg’s most beautiful road race which begins at 08:00. Entry forms and more information is available online at www.sparwomensrace.co.za