The campaign kicked off at 7:00 at Modderdam High School, where young and old rose to the occasion. The campaign is the first of its kind to be held on the Cape Flats.

The goal of the campaign is to raise awareness of sport as a vehicle to promote community development and after school sports.

For the next two weeks, various sporting personalities will run with learners from Bonteheuwel to Langa, Gugulethu and Khayelitsha. Yesterday (Wednesday) runners started the second round run from Arcadia High to Langa. The campaign will run until 9 March and end at Bulumko High School.

During this time a symbolic baton of peace and friendship will be passed from school to school.

The organisers, HWB Communications, the Western Cape education department and JAG Investment Group hope the campaign would lead to the formation of a number of running clubs at schools on the Cape Flats.

It was clear that the 30 learners were thrilled about taking part in the event. It was all smiles as they took to the streets with South African 1 500m record holder Johan Landsman as well as Comrades gold medallist Donovan Wright.

According to Elana Meyer, who has set five world records, 23 South African records, has won a World Cup and a silver medal in the 10 000 meters in the Barcelona Olympics, she is excited about this venture.

“Through this campaign we want to keep children out of trouble, out of gangs and away from drugs. We want to get them into sporting programmes, preferably after school,” said Meyer when she addressed the learners on Monday.

Meyer told TygerBurger: “Through this initiative, we want to make the youth aware that sport could enhance their lives immensely. Looking back on my own sporting career I want to encourage even the most disadvantaged child to reach for their dreams. You never know how far you’ll get until you’ve tried.”

Dugmore was extremely enthusiastic as he took to the streets of Bonteheuwel.

He addressed the issue by saying to learners: “ If you want to be physically fit, don’t take drugs.”

He went on to say that the campaign is a part of a holistic drive for ‘a safe learning home for all’.

“I like the idea of schools linking up with each other. We are also proud and hope that others will be motivated by the young learners who are running for hope and a safer community,” said Dugmore.

Meyer has recently been appointed as executive director of the JAG Sports and Education Foundation. The aim of the foundation is to provide opportunities for young South Africans to help them pursue their dreams in sport and education.