The campaign, called “For the sake of our lives” kicked off on Monday 26 February when she, together with Western Cape Education MEC Cameron Dugmore, SA 1,500m record holder Johan Landsman and about 30 learners, will run from Modderdam High School to Arcadia High School in Bonteheuwel.

They will pass a symbolic baton of peace and friendship to fellow pupils.

The run starts at 07:00 from the school.

Over the next two weeks, learners from eleven different schools from around Cape Town will run from school to school on a journey of hope that will start in Bonte?heuwel and end in Khayelitsha.

“This campaign uses sport as a vehicle for community development, as sport goes hand in hand with safety and security, health, education, nutrition and other related issues,” says Meyer, who in her career has set five world records, 23 South African records and has won a World Cup as well as a silver medal in the 10 000 meter Barcelona Olympics.

“We want to keep children out of trouble, out of gangs and out of drugs and into sports programmes, preferably after school, to fill the time while their parents are still at work. It is then when they are most vulnerable.

We want children to realise how important sport is, and how important it is to have and keep a healthy body and a healthy mind.

“We hope these two weeks will be a foundation for sustainable running programmes at the schools.”

It is not the first youth-focused sports initiative Meyer is supporting. Just recently she was appointed as Executive Director of the JAG Sports and Education Foundation, which will be launched on 3 April this year.

The Foundation will provide opportunities for young South Africans to help them change their lives and pursue their dreams.

Says Meyer: “After I retired from racing in 2005, I became involved with various projects to empower and encourage others to live life to the full and to make a difference? to the less privileged children of South Africa who do not always have the means to pursue their dreams and passions.”

MEC Dugmore, who is enthusiastically spearheading this initiative, comments: “If you want to be physically fit, you don’t take drugs. If you are out for a run, then you’re not bored. If groups of people are out running together then they look after one another and will be reclaiming our streets for recreation. Let me put it quite simply – this is really a life and death matter”.

He added that this is part of a holistic drive for a “safe learning home for all”. “The adult runners from the community who will join our learners will be showing their solidarity and linking with the celebrity athlete role models.

“I also like the way schools will be crossing borders and linking with other schools.

Our community-school initiative, our safety campaign, our partnerships with others in government – the whole range of seamless solutions to the erosion of community, safety and of wellbeing – will all be illustrated in this symbolic run.”

MEC Dugmore says this is a pilot, which will be assessed. “The programme will be an important part of our examination of how schools can form community hubs. We are pleased that the plan is holistic, community-based and innovative.”

“We are thrilled by the huge support and enthusiastic response we have received. We hope that spectators will be motivated by the sight of the young runners who will be running for hope.

We have every intention of massifying this initiative”.

Greg James, Founder of the JAG Sports and Education Foundation, which will be officially launched on 3 April says, “Our initiative is already gaining momentum thanks to people like Elana and especially SA’s top motivational speaker, Gayton McKenzie, who has been very supportive of our cause.”