0 comments
94 viewsAbongile Mvunyiswa (20) along with two other Afrika Tikkun teammates from Diepsloot and Orange Farm, (outside Johannesburg) have been selected by Las Vegas Safe Lite Autoglass ® to participate in the Nevada, USA Triathlon in April.
“I feel very happy, proud and very honoured for this opportunity that I’m given,” says the jubilant twenty year old.
South African born Mvunyiswa started swimming at the age of five in a river called Mohokare in Lesotho where he lived with his grandmother. When he returned to Johannesburg at age seven, a friend introduced him to a swimming pool in East Bank. “That’s when I started taking swimming seriously and I discovered my potential and talent,” says a reflective Mvunyiswa.
His message to youth is to learn to swim as early as possible. “People from townships don’t take swimming as a career and this chance that I got will help people see life in swimming and change their perceptive…and that will build a very competitive personality.”
Before joining Afrika Tikkun in February 2011 as a youth intern, Mvunyiswa was unemployed. “(Now) I’m going to America to make a name for myself, to represent my family, Afrika Tikkun and my country”, says a proud Mvunyiswa.
The three excited young men are due to leave for the US in mid-April and are appealing for donations to help fund their airfare and spending money. To make their dream come true, SMS the word RCS to 40218 to donate R20 to the cause. For more info visit: www.afrikatikkun.org.za or contact Amanda blankfield on 0113255914 or amandab@afrikatikkun.org.za
Image 1: Abongile with his teammate and coach during a triathlon event in Germiston Lake; From left: Karabo Seduma, Mike (coach) and Abongile
Image 2: Abongile and his teammates geared up for Las Vegas
