The Olympic Games might be taking place in Athens next month but interest from the Eastern Cape is expected to reach a fever pitch when a young Mdantsane boxer steps into the ring with his sights set on bringing home the gold medal.
Ludumo Galada (21) is one of three South African boxers taking part in the Games, starting in Greece on August 13.
The boxer, who has survived the tough life of the streets by avoiding crime and fighting poverty with his fists, participated in the Commonwealth Games in Manchester in 2002.
Last year he represented South Africa in Abuja and during the World Championship in Thailand.
Speaking at a farewell function organised by the Eastern Cape Technikon where he is enrolled as a mechanical-engineering student, Galada promised to ”give it my very best shot” on the Olympic stage.
”I have never been to a match before with this kind of feeling I have today. It is encouraging to see that I have everyone’s support here,” he said.
Eastern Cape Technikon communications officer Samkelo Ngwenya said: ”Ludumo’s achievements are not only an inspiration to thousands of Eastern Cape youth but also to the youth of his Mdantsane home township.”
Galada’s mother, Thobeka Galada, said she believes in her son and is confident that he will bring back a medal.
”I feeling happy for him and I’m proud that he did not resort to crime. I want nothing less that a gold medal,” she said.
Galada, whose main aim is to bring back a gold medal, has vowed to cause the world stage to rumble for Mdantsane.
Galada has been involved in boxing for 12 years.
Despite a busy training programme and trips away from home, Galada has still done well in his studies.
Galada — who lives with his mother, two brothers and a sister — asked his fellow students to watch the Games on television so that he could carry the name of the institution and make them proud. — Sapa