This Friday, three individuals who have pushed beyond boundaries for The Ultimate Human Race will be honoured at the Old Mutual Spirit of Comrades awards gala dinner in Pietermartizburg.
The Old Mutual Spirit of Comrades Awards celebrates three awesome individuals annually for their very human attributes of selflessness, dedication, perseverance and Ubuntu; combined with their love for The Ultimate Human Race. The nominees are chosen based on their participation in the Comrades Marathon whether as athletes, legends, dedicated volunteers or extraordinary supporters.
This year the nominees included Barry Varty, Bruce Hargreaves, Carla du Toit, Douw Prinsloo, Haroom Ebrahim Abramjee, Heidi Joubert, Jackie Campher, Kabelo Ntsime, Richard Malose Monisi, Martin Millar, Megan Davey, Michael Daniel Lawrence, Rabbi Shlomo Wainer, Robert le Brun, Robert Marvel, Robert McInroy, Trevor Hildebrand, Wietsche van der Westhuizen and Wilma van der Westhuizen.
The awards gala dinner has been a defining feature of the Comrades Marathon Association (CMA) for two decades now. CMA Chairperson Macdonald Chitja says, “This is our flagship awards gala where we will be honouring our 2015 winners as well as three significant and deserving individuals who show the world what the true spirit of the Comrades Marathon is all about. Through this special awards ceremony, we call on every Comrades Marathon runner and South African to share in the enduring and timeless values associated with The Ultimate Human Race.”
This is the first year that Old Mutual is co-sponsoring the race. ‘We are very proud to be supporting the legendary Comrades Marathon,’ says Old Mutual’s Chief Marketing Officer Mokaedi Dilotsotlhe.
‘Endurance sporting activities are the backbone of our portfolio of sponsorships, because we understand the planning, commitment and perseverance you need when you’re in something for the long haul. Old Mutual also views these sponsorships as a great platform from which to make a positive difference to communities.’
The three recipients of the Old Mutual Spirit of Comrades Awards will be presented with a one-ounce, 24 carat gold medallion, as well as due recognition of their outstanding qualities.
The Old Mutual Spirit of Comrades awards dinner will be held on Friday, October 23 at Tsogo Sun, Golden Horse Casino in Pietermaritzburg.