KZN Champ in Zululand
Zululander, John Ntuli who took the honours at the recent Natal Duathlon Championships*
In the transition area - John Ntuli*
NGWELEZANE'S John Ntuli took Gold at the Natal Duathlon Champs held at Midmar Dam on Sunday.
John, riding for Team IOP (Izulu Orphan Projects) and Chadd Bain, would like to thank all those who have helped make this happen.
A big thank you must go to Power Spar as the main sponsor for this event and Zululand Sports Centre for their assistance with John's gear.
Sunday morning was misty and cold at Midmar Dam and from the start it was clear that Ntuli was in a class of his own.
He was already in the lead 2,5km into the 10km run and by the time he was in the transition for the 40km bike ride he had opened a large gap on the second athlete.
The road was wet but that didn't stop Ntuli going flat out.
By the time he went out on the second run, he had a lead that had the race secured unless disaster struck, which fortunately it did not.
He finished first in the 25-29 age group and first overall.
Chosen for the Natal team, he must now prepare for the SA Champs in Bloemfontein on 28 June.
Hopefully his equipment holds out in which case, IOP and John are confident he will make the SA team, which will be travelling to the World Duathlon Championships in Italy in September.
Funds needed
IOP, who is managing Ntuli at this stage, is on a mission to get him to World Championships.
Ntuli has been competing in Zululand and KZN for eight years now and has never been sponsored.
Chadd Bain from IOP said it was sad that at this stage in South Africa, a young exceptionally talented black athlete who is a world-class competitor has never had a real sponsor.
'Zululand, we need to help this young man achieve in the world arena so we may share his glory.
'We hear so much about development but before we can start developing these young people, we need to help the talented athletes achieve results and get to all the relevant events on the right equipment.
'Then we would have produced a hero and can start real development,' said Bain.
'Children need to learn about setting goals and what it takes to achieve them.
'John is at this level now; hopefully when his time is over in the competitive field, we can use him to develop others.
'But for now we need to make him a hero, someone the youngsters can look up to and respect.
'We need him to experience achievement and feel glory so he may have passion for whatever the future holds for him and the other young people who have goals just like him. Zululand, this is going to cost us!'
An urgent appeal is being made for support to come from Zululand before corporate Head Offices in Johannesburg and Pretoria can be approached.
For more information, please contact Chadd through www.izuluorphanprojects.co.za.
From IOP, 'Well done John Ntuli, you are a great ambassador to our organisation and Zululand. We are extremely proud of you, racing not only for yourself but for all the orphans of HIV/AIDS. Hold on tight and never lose sight of your dreams!'
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