Lexmark International SA MD Mark Hiller will participate in the Ironman challenge as well as the Comrades Marathon to raise funds for charity.
Ditshego Pre-School, a non-profit organisation turned early childhood development centre, will be the beneficiary.
Having been introduced to the preschool by a colleague through Cotlands, which he has been involved with for more than 10 years, Hiller says there's a dire need to bridge the educational gap between children in rural areas and those in urban areas.
Situated in an informal settlement in Mooiplaas, Centurion, the cr`eche currently accommodates 120 children between the ages of three and six in formalised classroom environments that span Grade 000, Grade 00 and Grade R.
Ditshego faces the challenges of maximising the learning experience it can provide the children and of getting accreditation and funding from the Department of Social Services and Basic Education, according to Hiller.
According to Hiller, although both challenges will be physically draining, the most important thing is to help the children from Ditshego and give them the same start in life as that afforded to their more privileged peers.
“These really are formative years, and without any structured learning, these children start school at a disadvantage and battle to catch up, contributing to the low overall percentage of children who go through 12 years [of schooling] to eventually finish matric.”
Hiller will participate in Ironman, a triathlon that comprises a 3.8km swim, 180km bike ride and 42km race, on 22 April, and will run the 89km Comrades Marathon on 3 June.
“I am not sure I am in tip-top shape... but I will give it my best shot”, he adds.
“There is a lot of training involved, but what they require is mental strength. With support, I am sure I can focus to get through those low moments to complete both.”
Anyone who wishes to sponsor Hiller or make a pledge to the charity can e-mail Nicky Hebst at nickyh@internext.co.za.
Share