Bolt to encourage young South African athletes

IAAF Ambassador Usain Bolt is set to make an appearance in South Africa at the Ruimsig Stadium in Johannesburg on January 29.

The recently retired world’s fastest man is visiting South Africa as the principal of the PUMA School of Speed which will see five competitions held around the country.

“The arrival of Bolt comes at an opportune time when the 2018 youth and junior domestic athletics season is now in full swing,” said Aleck Skhosana, the President of Athletics South Africa. “His presence here will encourage a lot of youngsters to perform better and elite athletes to renew their ambitions to make South Africa the best.

Skhosana said South Africa has more than 500,000 youth and junior athletes between the ages of 14-19 years at high school level that are currently competing in domestic school competitions.

“Their main objective is to reach the 2018 ASA Youth and Junior Championships set for April 5-7 in Paarl where they hope to qualify to represent South Africa at the 2018 IAAF World Junior Championships in Tampere, Finland from June 10-14 2018. The presence of this icon is a great chance for athletics fans that have followed his career over the years to see him.”