GALLERY: Thabo needs the help of the community
Earlier this year Thabo was given the opportunity to go further his studies abroad in the US.
THABO Viti (20), a star cross-country athlete, has been given the opportunity of a lifetime to further his athletics career overseas.
This is a dream come true for the former Hoërskool Marais Viljoen High School learner, but he just needs a little help getting to the USA.
Once-in-a-lifetime opportunity
Earlier this year Thabo received a scholarship of $14 000 (R195 972) to further his studies in the US at William Carey University in Hattiesburg, Mississippi, thanks to his great running ability.
“I had to write an SAT test on May 4 as part of my agreement and passed it. SAT is a standardised test widely used for college and university admissions in the US. Ever since I passed the test I have been searching for a sponsor or sponsors to help me cover the costs that are not covered by the university,” Thabo told the RECORD.
Thabo has managed to raise some funds for his flight tickets and visa, but there is still a large shortfall. He is set to leave in August, the proposed departure date set by the university.
He said his mother has been trying her utmost to support him throughout his school career.
“Sadly, we as a household cannot cover these costs since my mother is a single mother to two children on a domestic worker’s salary,” he said.
Thabo still needs R59 700, which includes his international student tuition deposit and application fee, which are not covered by the scholarship.
“I was told that the amount can be paid off in three instalments. I am really asking for the help of the community as this will give me the chance to share my talent with the world – a chance to make my dreams come true.”
The star athlete
In 2018 Thabo walked away a national champion during the South African Schools Athletics (SASA).
Thabo also achieved a fourth place in track and field for the SASA.
After that, he ran in the U-20 Athletics South Africa (ASA) National Championships in Paarl and placed ninth.
His time at the ASA National Championships qualified him for the Confederation of African Athletics (CAA) Southern Region Youth and Junior Championships, where he came in third place against athletes from 11 countries.
Thabo also qualified to run in the ASA Cross-Country Championship in Port Elizabeth, where he achieved a well-deserved sixth place and his team received a medal for placing first.
He also earned his full colours for cross-country in 2018.
For two consecutive years he was named the most versatile sportsman of the year at his school.
“My biggest accomplishment in 2018 was to win the South African Schools Athletics (SASA) in the Free State,” he said. “It all felt like an amazing dream.”
Young champion with big dreams
Thabo told the RECORD the best part about cross-country is to travel around the world and meet new people. But running was not always what he enjoyed.
“I was always a team player and I played hockey. My coach just saw potential in me, and he kept on motivating me to do cross-country. I only started to enjoy the sport in Grade 10 because I listened to him and I was fit enough. It suddenly became my passion,” said Thabo.
“I always try to improve myself by doing better than I did in previous races,” he added. He trains daily, and his training includes core exercises, speed work and distance work.
“It is hard work to balance my academics and passion for sport,” he said.
Thabo described himself as an honest, hard-working, positive and dedicated young man.
“In future, I would really like to study electrical engineering.”
Thabo grew up in Alberton and lives in Alberante with his mother, Brenda, and his younger sister. His biggest inspiration in life is his mom.
“She is a single mother raising two children. She shows strength every day. She is motivated and she has this positive energy, the one you want to be with,” Thabo said.
His birthday is on July 4. He likes to spend his spare time with family and friends. His hobbies include flying RC model planes and playing games on his Xbox.
“I want to encourage the youth to always follow their hearts and to have self-love. And to young athletes, just believe in yourself and work hard,” he said.
Thabo lives by the motto “keep moving forward”.
How you can help
Thabo said that any donations or sponsorship is welcome.
“I have not opened any bank accounts or pages to help me raise funds, but I am open to any proposals or even ideas to help me raise funds.”
If you want to help Thabo fulfil his dreams, contact him on 060 726 2444 or 083 377 9891 or send an email to thaboviti@gmail.com
Scholarship letter, reference letter and international student cost of attendance with scholarship letters are available on request.
GALLERY:
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