CHAIRMAN'S REPORT
5 DECEMBER 2015
downloadable pdf here
I begin in the name of Allah; the Creator, Nourisher and Sustainer. All praise is due to Him for having granted us another successful year, Algham-doe-lillah.
As-salaam-mu-alaikum, good afternoon, goeie middag. Members of the Executive, Honorary members, ARD members, special guests, sponsors and family members – welcome to the 2015 Annual General Meeting of ARD Athletics Club.
At the end of my term as Chairman of the ARD Athletic Club, I wish to express to sincere gratitude to the members for granting me the opportunity of serving in this capacity for the past three years. I am honoured to have led the team that administered ARD AC during this time.
2015 year has been one of the most successful years for ARD Athletic Club. We have excelled on so many fronts, exceeding our expectations yet again.
We had the unfortunate experience of a split within our club and witnessed formation of a new club by an ex-Executive member and about 20 members. We have however been vindicated by the return of two members back to ARD recently. Although we have not commented extensively during this breakaway it should not be regarded as a sign of guilt on our part. We have been diplomatic during this episode to ensure an amicable separation for all concerned. I shall now elaborate on events leading up this unfortunate event. (Zwaanswyk race and resultant fine)
Social Investments
We have upheld our proud Social Investment tradition through our involvement with the 10km Big Walk in 2015 - where we successfully marshalled the Start and return leg of this community event.
We have also assisted OMTOM with 3 portfolios in 2015, at no cost. We hope to continue with these, becoming full Portfolio Managers for 2016 and beyond, at a cost still to be determined.
Fundraisers/Race Assistance income
We have assisted;
- Topform AC with marshalls at the Bay to Bay 30km event,
- WPA with the Spar Ladies Race.
We extend our heartfelt thanks to the members who supported these initiatives.
Our Boot Camp fundraiser was successful as well, and remains a crucial revenue stream for the club as well as a team building exercise – thanks to the members for organizing and supporting this event.
Funds raised at these events are a portion of the costs needed to cover for our Awards Evening, Comrades Support Program and Junior Development Program.
Sadly our main sponsor of many years ARD Concrete has not been able to continue their sponsorship of the club. We are currently exploring alternative avenues regarding this and wish to thank ARD Concrete for their support over the years. We shall keep membership advised regarding this. Should any member wish to assist us with obtaining a title sponsor they are welcome to approach the Executive.
The 3 Vlei race is also an important revenue source for the club, allowing us to continue without a sponsor in the short term.
Finances
The budget proposed and accepted at the previous AGM has been the basis for a stable financial footing during 2015. Although we have concerns regarding outstanding fees from individual members, this is has not deterred us from executing several key initiatives during the year.
Our Junior Development Program, Comrades Support Program, League Race transport, etc. have all been achieved through careful planning and prudent behavior. We urge all members to pay any outstanding fees urgently, to ensure the club can continue to support these important programmes.
The new budget for 2016 will be tabled for members’ approval by the Treasurer during the course of this meeting. We urge members to review this and engage with the Executive during the year - to suggest additional initiatives to enhance the club’s contribution to development, social or other events during the years ahead. We may consider Family days, out of town races, braai days, etc.
The Treasurer will elaborate on more detailed financial aspects of the budget in his report later today.
Membership
Our membership has grown in leaps and bounds during the year, despite the breakaway of members. Our Club Captain and Coach have performed admirably in creating an environment that nurtures the novice runners whilst continuing to stretch/develope our Intermediate and Advanced runners.
The Fairmount sessions have been the foundation of the Beginner program and certain aspects of this has been included in the Chukker Road training as well. I trust our Club Captain’s report will give greater insight to the success of the two venues in her report.
Development
Our Junior Development program has not performed as well as expected(also impacted by reakaway) but with the appointment of a new Junior Development Team, we anticipate this improving in the future.
The success of our Juniors at events during 2015 has been remarkable and we have to mention the loss of top Female Juniors to the breakaway club, a loss we hope to rectify soon. Accolades at numerous races and intense competition amongst the Juniors have been heartening to observe. Well done all.
We thank the new Junior Development Office, Shamiel Shira for his efforts during the year. He has been co-opted into this role and he has assisted our Juniors in reaching new heights. We also thank the ‘Group Leaders’ for assisting the Coach with training and LSDs.
Our Coach, Marshall Moilima has once again been the cornerstone of the Fairmount training on Mondays and Wednesdays. We look forward to continuing our association with him and we hope interested members will utilize his abilities to develop to their potential.
Events
The 2014 Awards evening was once again a stunning affair, where the top achievers were acknowledged for their performance in the year past.
The Two Oceans Ultra and Half marathon were highly successful once again and we congratulate those who completed this high profile event.
Our Comrades initiative has been a resounding success once again. This race is without doubt the premier event on the SA race calendar and we are proud to have assisted our members in being a part of this. We are proud of all our participants who participated as well as the support team that accompanied them to Durban. Our novice runners who successfully completed this event at their first attempt have rightfully earned our respect and adoration for this. All participants who qualified for this event are already winners – it is no easy task to get to the start of Comrades, congratulations everyone.
Our League Challenge was wholeheartedly embraced by the membership and the Absolute League generated intense competition in the different age groups and the top ten. Well done to everyone – your support has been fantastic.
Cape Town and Winelands Marathon were massive successes and several novices completed their first marathon during 2015 – congratulations to them and we wish them well on their future events.
3 Vlei race
The 3 Vlei race was again highly successful, with a record field and across the board support from most clubs.
Our event continues to benefit the NGOs in Grassy Park and a record amount of R16 000,00 was donated this year.
I herewith wish to thank;
Highlights
Although I have covered several highlights for the year, I have to mention the off the field events that have for me been some of the most satisfying moments of 2015;
Thanks
My sincere gratitude, thanks and appreciation go to the Executive members - not only for their contributions and hard work, but also for making the atmosphere at the club vibrant, exciting and happy during the year. Our structures were well supported and our plans were executed superbly.
The plan for 2015 has been successful, despite some unforeseen dramatics during the year. This is borne out by our continued growth, development and achievements. I wish the Executive well and trust they will emulate the achievements of 2015 and exceed them in 2016 Insha Allah.
I cannot forget the contribution by every club member to the success of the year – thank you each and every one for making this the fantastic club it is.
In conclusion, I hope that all our members will give their fullest co-operation and support to the Executive in the years ahead. Let us work together to obtain the objectives of the club.
I am glad to reflect back on a year where the highlights on the field have dominated any off field activities. Where running took centre stage and became the unifying force for all our members.
Our Social Media platform has been a success and I appreciate the mature demeanor of our members on this communication platform, please continue to in this manner.
I wish to once again extend my thanks to the dynamic Executive Team for an Awesome job – together we have achieved greatness.
Thank you,
Zaid Orrie, Chairman
As-salaam-mu-alaikum, good afternoon, goeie middag. Members of the Executive, Honorary members, ARD members, special guests, sponsors and family members – welcome to the 2015 Annual General Meeting of ARD Athletics Club.
At the end of my term as Chairman of the ARD Athletic Club, I wish to express to sincere gratitude to the members for granting me the opportunity of serving in this capacity for the past three years. I am honoured to have led the team that administered ARD AC during this time.
2015 year has been one of the most successful years for ARD Athletic Club. We have excelled on so many fronts, exceeding our expectations yet again.
We had the unfortunate experience of a split within our club and witnessed formation of a new club by an ex-Executive member and about 20 members. We have however been vindicated by the return of two members back to ARD recently. Although we have not commented extensively during this breakaway it should not be regarded as a sign of guilt on our part. We have been diplomatic during this episode to ensure an amicable separation for all concerned. I shall now elaborate on events leading up this unfortunate event. (Zwaanswyk race and resultant fine)
Social Investments
We have upheld our proud Social Investment tradition through our involvement with the 10km Big Walk in 2015 - where we successfully marshalled the Start and return leg of this community event.
We have also assisted OMTOM with 3 portfolios in 2015, at no cost. We hope to continue with these, becoming full Portfolio Managers for 2016 and beyond, at a cost still to be determined.
Fundraisers/Race Assistance income
We have assisted;
- Topform AC with marshalls at the Bay to Bay 30km event,
- WPA with the Spar Ladies Race.
We extend our heartfelt thanks to the members who supported these initiatives.
Our Boot Camp fundraiser was successful as well, and remains a crucial revenue stream for the club as well as a team building exercise – thanks to the members for organizing and supporting this event.
Funds raised at these events are a portion of the costs needed to cover for our Awards Evening, Comrades Support Program and Junior Development Program.
Sadly our main sponsor of many years ARD Concrete has not been able to continue their sponsorship of the club. We are currently exploring alternative avenues regarding this and wish to thank ARD Concrete for their support over the years. We shall keep membership advised regarding this. Should any member wish to assist us with obtaining a title sponsor they are welcome to approach the Executive.
The 3 Vlei race is also an important revenue source for the club, allowing us to continue without a sponsor in the short term.
Finances
The budget proposed and accepted at the previous AGM has been the basis for a stable financial footing during 2015. Although we have concerns regarding outstanding fees from individual members, this is has not deterred us from executing several key initiatives during the year.
Our Junior Development Program, Comrades Support Program, League Race transport, etc. have all been achieved through careful planning and prudent behavior. We urge all members to pay any outstanding fees urgently, to ensure the club can continue to support these important programmes.
The new budget for 2016 will be tabled for members’ approval by the Treasurer during the course of this meeting. We urge members to review this and engage with the Executive during the year - to suggest additional initiatives to enhance the club’s contribution to development, social or other events during the years ahead. We may consider Family days, out of town races, braai days, etc.
The Treasurer will elaborate on more detailed financial aspects of the budget in his report later today.
Membership
Our membership has grown in leaps and bounds during the year, despite the breakaway of members. Our Club Captain and Coach have performed admirably in creating an environment that nurtures the novice runners whilst continuing to stretch/develope our Intermediate and Advanced runners.
The Fairmount sessions have been the foundation of the Beginner program and certain aspects of this has been included in the Chukker Road training as well. I trust our Club Captain’s report will give greater insight to the success of the two venues in her report.
Development
Our Junior Development program has not performed as well as expected(also impacted by reakaway) but with the appointment of a new Junior Development Team, we anticipate this improving in the future.
The success of our Juniors at events during 2015 has been remarkable and we have to mention the loss of top Female Juniors to the breakaway club, a loss we hope to rectify soon. Accolades at numerous races and intense competition amongst the Juniors have been heartening to observe. Well done all.
We thank the new Junior Development Office, Shamiel Shira for his efforts during the year. He has been co-opted into this role and he has assisted our Juniors in reaching new heights. We also thank the ‘Group Leaders’ for assisting the Coach with training and LSDs.
Our Coach, Marshall Moilima has once again been the cornerstone of the Fairmount training on Mondays and Wednesdays. We look forward to continuing our association with him and we hope interested members will utilize his abilities to develop to their potential.
Events
The 2014 Awards evening was once again a stunning affair, where the top achievers were acknowledged for their performance in the year past.
The Two Oceans Ultra and Half marathon were highly successful once again and we congratulate those who completed this high profile event.
Our Comrades initiative has been a resounding success once again. This race is without doubt the premier event on the SA race calendar and we are proud to have assisted our members in being a part of this. We are proud of all our participants who participated as well as the support team that accompanied them to Durban. Our novice runners who successfully completed this event at their first attempt have rightfully earned our respect and adoration for this. All participants who qualified for this event are already winners – it is no easy task to get to the start of Comrades, congratulations everyone.
Our League Challenge was wholeheartedly embraced by the membership and the Absolute League generated intense competition in the different age groups and the top ten. Well done to everyone – your support has been fantastic.
Cape Town and Winelands Marathon were massive successes and several novices completed their first marathon during 2015 – congratulations to them and we wish them well on their future events.
3 Vlei race
The 3 Vlei race was again highly successful, with a record field and across the board support from most clubs.
Our event continues to benefit the NGOs in Grassy Park and a record amount of R16 000,00 was donated this year.
I herewith wish to thank;
- 3 Vlei title sponsor and Absolute League sponsor Mr. A. Ismail of Absolute Eyecare,
- Market Toyota Athlone’s Mr. Achmat Jacobs,
- Alfa Bodyworks for radio broadcast,
- All other sponsors for their continued support,
- All portfolio Managers but especially Yusuf Kariem and Abduragmaan Jacobs,
- The water point teams of Mariam Adams, Suzie Germs and Yazeed Ebrahim,
- All the marshalls, officials and other assistants for a fantastic performance,
- All other contributors, club members and their families who contributed to the success of the 3 Vlei event.
Highlights
Although I have covered several highlights for the year, I have to mention the off the field events that have for me been some of the most satisfying moments of 2015;
- Who can forget the Two Oceans LSD where our members turned up in such numbers at Newlands Swimming pool that it looked like a race was taking place,
- Training attendance at both Fairmount and Chukker Road that exceeded expectations,
- LSDs to Kirstenbosch Top Gate from Constantia Village or Chukker Road that culminated in group selfies,
- Our first trail run on the greenbelt,
- Our Ladies breakfast in August and the Men’s breakfast in November,
- The spirit and atmosphere at the ARD gazebo after a race, which everyone contributes to,
- The Absolute League Challenge that has been embraced wholeheartedly by the membership and generated enormous competition during the year.
Thanks
My sincere gratitude, thanks and appreciation go to the Executive members - not only for their contributions and hard work, but also for making the atmosphere at the club vibrant, exciting and happy during the year. Our structures were well supported and our plans were executed superbly.
The plan for 2015 has been successful, despite some unforeseen dramatics during the year. This is borne out by our continued growth, development and achievements. I wish the Executive well and trust they will emulate the achievements of 2015 and exceed them in 2016 Insha Allah.
I cannot forget the contribution by every club member to the success of the year – thank you each and every one for making this the fantastic club it is.
In conclusion, I hope that all our members will give their fullest co-operation and support to the Executive in the years ahead. Let us work together to obtain the objectives of the club.
I am glad to reflect back on a year where the highlights on the field have dominated any off field activities. Where running took centre stage and became the unifying force for all our members.
Our Social Media platform has been a success and I appreciate the mature demeanor of our members on this communication platform, please continue to in this manner.
I wish to once again extend my thanks to the dynamic Executive Team for an Awesome job – together we have achieved greatness.
Thank you,
Zaid Orrie, Chairman