An 11-year-old Manenberg girl dreams of becoming a professional athlete, and the training she receives at an athletics programme is helping her move closer to that goal.

Zara Martin, a Grade 5 pupil at Surrey Primary School, received the “top female athlete” award at the athletics programme’s annual ceremony. The programme, Born2BeEite, aims to develop children in all aspects of their life, not just on the track and field.

Kaltoema Benjamin, Born2BeElite’s administrator, held the awards ceremony at Surrey Primary School on Saturday November 26.

Zara’s father, Mizaan Griffiths, said his daughter was passionate about athletics.

“We are from Manenberg, and we need to keep the children active, as there are so many negative distractions there. She’s been very good at running, and since she joined Born2BeElite, she exceeded all our expectations,” Mr Griffiths said.

The shy Zara only managed to say that she dreamt of becoming a professional athlete, specifically a sprinter.

Nangamso Mayema, from Crossroads, is also a parent of one of the athletes, Ntsepeng Mayema, 12, who is in Grade 6 at Surrey Primary. Ms Mayema said she is happy that the programme focuses on developing the children holistically.

“I am also an athlete. I run up to 21km. I like to support my children, especially if it involves sport. I also like that Born2BeElite takes our children out on hikes and heritage sites. They also focus on life skills, and not just sport only,” she said.

If your child would like to join the programme, or if you can assist in any way, contact Ms Benjamin at 083 743 8622.

Zara Martin, 11, receives her trophy for the “best female athlete”, from Rosa-Linda Kock, the chairperson of Western Province Track and Field Commission.

Likhaniyle Kili, 12, was awarded for being the “top male athlete”. He received his trophy from Emil van Wyk, deputy chairperson of the Western Province Track and Field Commission.

From left, are Rosa-Linda Kock, chairperson of Western Province Track and Field Commission; Kaltoema Benjamin, administrator and events coordinator of Born2BeElite; and Emil van Wyk, deputy chairperson of Western Province Track and Field Commission.