Standard Bank employees headed to Two Oceans marathon

WINDHOEK, Feb. 14 – Maintaining an active lifestyle goes beyond simply losing weight or maintaining that weight loss; it strengthens the heart and ensures the efficient flow of blood and oxygen throughout your body, which helps decrease your risk of diseases.

As an employer of choice, Standard Bank understands the importance sport plays in the physical and mental wellbeing of its employees and has committed itself to ensuring that Blue family adopts a healthy lifestyle by aligning itself with the promotion and development of various sports. To further these goals, the Bank is sending some of its top athletes to participate in this year’s Old Mutual Two Oceans marathon in Cape Town on 31 March this year.

The 15 Standard Bank – Two Ocean enthusiasts are: Ali Spaeth, Jacinto Fekayamala, Desiree Bock, Nawaaz Dinath, Irene Venter, Hilda Wilson, Silveira Madaleno, Natasha du Plessis, Simeon Shaanika, Tapia Kapiya, Tjizapouzeu Tjongarero, Willem Shayuka, Hendrik van Wyk, Derick Colmer and Christelene Steenkamp.

“We understand that our employees are the most valuable asset. To us they are not just staff numbers, but unique individuals with dreams, aspiration and goals of life. So beyond their 8 to 5 job at the Blue Bank, people also have other healthy aspirations they like to pursue and through the Two Oceans we also want to give them an opportunity to participate in this phenomenal event, especially those who find such engagements worth their while,” Standard Bank’s Acting Head of Marketing, Sigrid Tjijorokisa, said this week.

The Two Oceans marathons, which have been existence since 1970, is an annual event with activities for the whole family. Participants can choose from various distances – the scenic 56km ultra marathon or popular 21km half marathon and the 5km or 2.5km fun runs. It also features a 5.6 km International friendship run, a 2.1 km Nappy Dash and a 5.6 km Toddler Trot.

“We are really proud of our 15 Blue Bankers who showed abundant stamina, teamwork and focus within the workplace, which will certainly come in handy for conquering a 56km ultra marathon. They also showcased these exemplary attributes when they recently passed the stringent criteria to qualify for the marathon,” she explained.

The marathon is gruelling yet rewarding as participants are able to take in the exhilarating cool breeze, all the while admiring the untamed beauty of nature. The event attracts close to 26 000 participants across all the distances is ideal for both professional and recreational runners

The team will leave for the race on the 28th of March and will spend four days in Cape Town preparing, competing, bonding and enjoying everything the world-class city has to offer.

“We are committed to employee health and wellness. By supporting our team of marathon runners, we hope to encourage and foster unity and fellowship amongst employees in order to build a sense of community. The Two Oceans team are sure to have an unforgettable time and inspire others in the bank to move forward and meet their own challenges,” she concluded. – NDN Staffer