From left: Lajeeth Maharaj, Chairperson of Tongaat Panthers Athletic Club, with Seema, Payal and Reyna Parekh, the wife and daughters of Sunil Parekh. In 2021, Sunil and Anil Singh, both 59 and members of the Tongaat Panthers Athletic Club, were killed when they were knocked down by a car while jogging.
Image: Supplied
THE Tongaat Panthers Athletic Club (TPAC) recently held a 5km memorial walk to honour over 30 of its members who have passed away.
This tribute not only celebrated their dedication to the club but also recognised their contributions to the community - reinforcing the idea that their legacies will continue to inspire future generations.
More than 200 athletes participated in the walk from Mitchford Primary School in Tongaat and back, with some completing the race in their respective provinces, while others walked in Scotland and Japan.
"Family members of the deceased were also invited to light a candle and accept posthumous awards, acknowledging their loved ones' enduring legacy," said Lajeeth Maharaj, the club's chairman.
"The tribute included a memorial ceremony with speeches, photo displays and a special presentation to recognise the members' achievements. We were inspired by the turnout and emotional response and have decided to make the memorial walk an annual event on the Tongaat calendar."
Maharaj said he had been involved and convened many TPAC functions over its 32-year history, but this event stood out as his most satisfying and heartwarming.
Reena Naicker, the wife of Namie Naicker, who died 15 years ago, expressed her appreciation for the club's initiative.
"This is a wonderful initiative to pay tribute to Namie and as a family, we are proud that TPAC will always be our family club," she said.
Siva Naidoo, former president of the Tongaat Child Welfare, said that when a club took the time to honour its fallen heroes it told something powerful - "that no runner is ever forgotten, that every stride taken in those colours still echoes in the heart of this club".
"By bringing families of our departed athletes together, we are reminded that we are not alone in our loss. We are part of a family, a running family," said Naidoo.
Vigie Padaychee described the event as "wonderful".
"The atmosphere screamed remembering resilience runners. The layout echoed pure love, and people embraced the sincerity with gratitude."