Not just Ironman – roads being built all around

On Wednesday I pinched myself just to make sure I was not dreaming.

The much-anticipated global showpiece that is the Ironman 70.3 World Championship on September 1 and 2 is just one month away in Nelson Mandela Bay.

This event, for which the city bid and won in 2016, has become a reality, not only for the nearly 5,000 triathletes but also for many residents.

On Saturday I took a drive to KwaNobuhle to attend the first of the planned schools triathlon development initiatives.

Before I get to that I want to point out something that has perhaps been forgotten.

I was out on a ride on the Seaview road two weekends before, partly to check out progress on the cycle route, when I bumped into one of my training mates, Helder Silva.

If you are looking for the most positive and inspiring individual, Helder is your guy.

The conversation centred on the seemingly great expense of improving our roads ahead of this major event.

Helder’s concern was whether similar or more effort was being placed in our townships.

Fair point, I thought, and my response was that I hoped that was the case.

This issue bugged me a bit until my long drive to Uitenhage.

I could not believe how much road construction is taking place far away from the suburbs.

From just past New Brighton to Joe Slovo is one long construction site.

There must be hundreds of previously unemployed residents on these sites, just like those on the Ironman route, who now can put bread on the table and feed their families.

If we don’t go and see things for ourselves, the limited viewpoints in these columns will form perceptions we could easily take as fact.

The construction site did not end in Joe Slovo.

In Mqolomba Street I found myself negotiating road works to reach the sports ground.

That sports ground, where the schools triathlon clinic was tak- ing place, is also a construction site. What is my point?

The narrative that major spend is directed at Ironman routes is a fallacy.

The trip to Uitenhage relieved my guilt as an Ironman athlete.

What happened at the Mqolomba Street venue was something amazing.

About 100 schoolchildren aged 10 to 14 were treated to a great sporting time.

These children, from Hombakazi, Phindubuye, Nosipho and Melumzi primary schools, were introduced to running and cycling, receiving tips from some of the Bay’s experienced Ironman triathletes.

Some of these children arrived not even knowing how to ride a bicycle, but when they left, they had raced their hearts out.

Not only were these eager young minds introduced to the sport of triathlon, but they also received crucial career advice on sports careers and opportunities.

Not every child can be a star, but what about sports medicine, physiotherapy, conditioning, sports management and so much more?

This is the legacy of hosting the Ironman 70.3 World Championship.

Molo Nelson Mandela Bay.