The Bluff Athletics Club is set to stage their annual Vets 21km Race later this year after receiving support from Engen. According to Engen Third Party Sales Manager and chairman of the Bluff Athletics Club, Vee Maharaj the club is a non-profit organization whose only income is from membership fees.
âWe are extremely grateful to Engen, as without sponsorship we would be unable to host our annual event in November due to the costs involved in setting up such an event,â says Maharaj.Maharaj applied for support through Engenâs âEmployee Community Partnership Programeâ (ECPP), which aims to create meaningful upliftment partnerships between Engen employes and their immediate communities.
The Bluff Athletics Club was eligible for a R5 000 ECPP grant from Engen, which will be used to help cover some of the costs of race attire, water and refreshments, medals, and prize money for category winners of the Vets 21km Race in November.
Maharaj says that the number of participants in the Vets 21km Race has grown from 500 to just under 2 000 participants (pre-Covid), with the race take runners through much of the South Durban Basin and passing the Engen refinery along Tara Road.
âOur annual Vets 21km Race is one way that we are able to give back to the community at large as the event brings in 100s of visitors to our suburb who make use of the club, while the community themselves offer road-side support and encouragement for the athletes taking part.â
The Bluff Athletics Club was founded in 1965 with the intention of bringing the running community together. âWe play a role in community development through our recently established junior athletics division, and all athletes have access to a coach, coaching facilities, ASA licensing and club kit, at no cost to them,â adds Maharaj.
âWe also sponsor license fees for senior athletes who have talent for ultra-running and the Comrades Marathon in particular.As a caring company, Engen commends Vee Maharaj for showing heart and playing his part in making a difference to the Bluff community,â says Sykry Hassim, Engenâs General Manager: Refinery.
âIt is well documented, that participation and involvement in sport helps to build stronger, healthier and happier communities.â
