NEWS RELEASE                                                                                             19 April 2001 

CITY WITH A BIG HEART HELPS CASH-STRAPPED ATHLETES WIN GOLD IN TWO OCEANS MARATHON                                         

A wholesome meal, transport and a good night’s sleep made all the difference to disadvantaged athletes in this year’s Old Mutual Two Oceans Marathon. 

Without a helping hand from the City of Cape Town Council and Nike, many athletes would not have been able to get to the starting line, let alone realise their dreams. Others would have underperformed after a night of sleeping rough in the open.

 Instead, 120 underprivileged but dedicated athletes awoke refreshed and ready for the big race – and came home with three gold medals, 19 silvers and 69 bronze medals. It was a truly amazing achievement.

 They had spent the night before the race at the Cape Town Nike Runners Village, set up by the City of Cape Town Council and Nike to assist athletes who might otherwise not have made it to the start.

 All the athletes who were put up free of charge at the village were identified by their running clubs as needing financial help – and they did themselves and their clubs proud.

 “It just goes to show what people can do when a little help comes their way,” said Councillor Kent Morkel, the City of Cape Town Council’s Executive Committee member responsible for Economic Development, Tourism and Property.

 “We knew that the accommodation, meals and transport would make a difference, but we are all amazed that they excelled in they way they did. The Runners Village was an unqualified success.”

 Pat Lennox, Head of the Events Office at the City of Cape Town Council, added that if Cape Town is to really establish itself as an event destination in world terms, then it must be a city that welcomes people.

 “We also have a 120 new ambassadors for Cape Town throughout the country,” he said.

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