Athletics South Africa (ASA) on Tuesday included Hezekiel Sepeng in the national team to the IAAF (International Athletic Association Federation) World Championships to be held in Paris at the end of August.
This despite Sepeng choosing not to compete in any Engen Grand Prix Series meet in 2003, a violation of ASA’s team selection criteria.
According to a statement released by ASA, the ”Board was of the strong mind that Mr Sepeng should be left out of the above-mentioned team, but they (the Board) were persuaded otherwise when considering the positive contribution Mr Sepeng has made to the advancement of athletics, not only in our country, but throughout the world”.
Sepeng had evidently acknowledged his mistakes and had asked to be pardoned. The Board obliged but nevertheless ”strongly reprimanded Mr Sepeng”.
Meanwhile, it was also learnt on Wednesday that Adidas had entered into a two-season sponsorship with ASA.
Adidas will provide team clothing for the senior South African team to the IAAF World Championships in 2003 and 2005. – Sapa