Athletics South Africa (ASA) on Monday appealed to athletes not to participate in the Spoornet Great Train Race in Port Elizabeth on Saturday as the event is not sanctioned by the organisation.
”We had hoped that Eastern Province Athletics and the organisers of the event would cooperate with ASA in finding a solution, but unfortunately this was not the case,” said Banele Sindani, ASA chief executive.
”The rule that is being violated is ASA Rule 27.12 in ASA’s Constitution that states that only South African citizens or permanent residents shall be eligible for team prizes in all athletics events.
”We sincerely hope that all law-abiding and disciplined athletes will act responsibly and respond positively to this appeal. However, we must make it categorically clear that athletes who ignore this appeal will have disciplinary action taken against them, which action might include ASA not issuing them with their 2005 licences,” concluded Sindani.
However, his call may well have fallen on deaf ears as already Nick Bester and his Harmony Gold team as well as the Mr Price team have confirmed their participation in the race.
Cliff Hall, spokesperson for the event, said that only about 10% of the entries are licensed athletes and the rest just ”social runners” from companies and children from disadvantaged communities.
He also said that they have received entries from about 500 teams for the event this year.
At its first meeting, the organising committee was asked to seek legal advice and based on that advice, an overwhelming majority of EP Athletic clubs felt the event should continue as publicised.
”Many companies for example go to great expense to participate. Other companies donate funds to the schools project to enable children from disadvantaged communities the right to enter the very successful development programme.
”Denying them the opportunity of competing in this milestone event is not a logical step — it’s not good for athletics,” Hall said. — Sapa