McKenzie Commits to Donating 100,000 Sneakers
AFTER tying his takkies for his own fitness adventure, Sports Minister Gayton McKenzie is taking action to encourage people to start running.
The PA big guy embarked on a weight-loss journey after becoming part of the Government of National Unity and began sharing humorous motivational videos of himself in July last year.
By September, just three months later, he proudly announced a weight loss of 15kgs.
His commitment to staying active has motivated a lot of people to prioritize their health and fitness, and he’s kept the momentum going.
Yesterday, he collaborated with the Discovery Vitality Run Series to kick off a takkies drive aimed at helping those in need get moving and begin their running journey.
As the series launched with the Olympic Spartan Harriers Challenge in Firgrove in the Cape, McKenzie aspires to provide 100,000 people with new running shoes.
During an inspiring speech, the Minister revealed the Discovery Vitality initiative to donate pre-loved or new running shoes – a program designed to gather and distribute footwear to communities in need, encouraging more South Africans to join in the joy and health benefits of physical activity.
Minister Gayton McKenzie stated: “Many individuals in our country lack running shoes due to significant poverty levels. Thus, I have partnered with Discovery Vitality to launch a running shoe drive.”
With a primary goal of collecting 25,000 pairs of running shoes, Minister McKenzie is committed to helping raise that target to an ambitious 100,000 pairs by December 2025.
South Africans can participate by donating their pre-loved or new running shoes at any Vitality Run Series events throughout the year or at Discovery Stores nationwide.
Vitality’s Chief Clinical Officer Dr. Mosima Mabunda remarked: “Running is a pathway to improved health, and the Vitality Run Series has demonstrated this year after year.”
“Seeing government backing for this initiative is incredibly encouraging. We urge everyone to participate, whether by running or donating, to make South Africans healthier.”