| Martin launched his Change a Life Academy last October with an ambitious programme to create a new generation of Dusi leaders. He pitched his tent in the rain sodden Dusi Valley and began training shoulder to shoulder with 15 young valley residents who showed enthusiasm and talent. He was confident that with the right physical training and mental preparation, 10 of his protégés could romp into the top 50 of the 2009 Dusi Canoe Challenge – after just four months of training!
By the end of the Dusi on 17 January 2009, Martin’s ambitions had been way exceeded. Of the 12 Change a Lifers who started, two (Eric Zondi and Lucas Mthalane) had romped home in the top 10, and 11 were in the top 43 – this in a field of 1 400 entrants. Kwanda Mhlophe, just 18 years old, was the top junior and was placed 18th overall. Martin was ecstatic and so were we – the results were beyond all of our dreams.
6 February 2009 saw an even more formidable race – the STIHL non stop Dusi, in which a bunch of hard core paddlers attempt the entire Dusi marathon in one day instead of three. For paddlers, it doesn’t get more hard-core - and there are no rules. There were thrills and spills aplenty, but the Change a Lifers again proved their mettle, with doubles Eric Zondi and Thomas Ngidi, and schoolboys Zonele Nzuza and Nhlanhla Cele finishing in 2nd and 3rd places respectively. In the singles race, Change a Lifer Lucas Mthalane finished second.
Martin’s enthusiasm for changing lives is set to leave an indelible legacy in the Dusi Valley. Not only are his Change a Lifers providing food and some income for their families, but they have become heroes and role models for their entire community. The pride and excitement in the Dusi valley is palpable.
The Change a Life Trust is so inspired by Martin’s work that we have agreed to continue to support his budding team. Over the next few months Martin will be putting them through their paces again as they train to become champion triathletes. This time they will be armed with mountain bikes, a necessity for triathlon training but also a valuable mode of transport in the remote areas in which they live. We wish them well and are sure that this is just the beginning of the road for the young Dusi Valley Change a Lifers.
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