Claude started his gym to help train people in boxing; the first people interested was a group of old ladies. He took them on and now they are boxing gogos.
Johannesburg, South Africa – Way in the back corner of the Cosmo recreational centre there is a buzz of activity which draws attention immediately. 10-15 elderly ladies are stretching, kicking a ball around and flexing their muscles. It’s the most amazing sight. A bunch of gym equipment stands ready for their use and even includes a little boxing ring.
Claude affectionately known as Coach, is training the boxing gogos.
“I’ve been involved with sports since I was 5. My late brother was my inspiration. At age 5 I started Karate which taught me discipline and respect.”
“Growing up I had never been exposed to gyms, but through Karate I was learning about the body and muscle groups. At 19 while exercising, I really stumbled on body building by chance. I had not even heard of the concept, but was exercising and introduced to it by a friend. “
Claude rattles off a list of trophies and awards he has received over the years – from being Junior champ of Gauteng in 1999 to representing SA in 2007.
” The award that I am most proud of though is the award I got in 2000 – I received the Masakani Community Builder Award for making a difference in my community. Community development through sports is really the drive behind everything that I do. We have so many young people being lured into the world of crime and drugs- we need to offer them alternatives.”
“When I started the gym here at the Cosmo community center the first people to come and check it our were this group of elderly ladies. We have a work out program for them every Tuesday and Thursday and they attend faithfully. We’ve seen such wonderful results in their health too from the exercise. “
Claude is a big supporter of community upliftment projects and does many of them on his own, self-funded. He helps to host Body Building Shows, but it’s not always easy.
” A lot of this I fund privately. The guys that I train cannot afford to pay R700 to enter a show. “
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He says it is so rewarding to see some of the young guys that he’s trained to find employment in the fitness world and start their own enterprises. The A-Team is registered as an NPO. One of the boxing Gogos, Zodwa, is well into her 80’s and absolutely loves boxing. She has been going to the gym for nearly two years.
“Boxing is my favourite…I can just punch and punch for hours! Then at night if my husband rolls over I punch him by mistake ” She laughs a most delightful laugh.” I sleep so well after exercising at the gym! I worked at an old age home for 23 years. Looking after old people, making their beds, making their tea, feeding them… old people have a lot of wisdom…I loved working there, and now I am old myself.”
Claude says that she won the Community Dedicated Senior Citizen award last year. She’s always involved in community upliftment programs such as gardening, knitting, and she’s an inspiration to those around her. Gogo Zodwa needs a little help too, to find out how to help her and what she needs click here.
Claude’s number is 0823955115, his email is claudemaphosa@gmail.com and website: www.ateamgp.co.za
How you can help:
1. Is there a large corporate or pharma company like dis-chem willing to come alongside Claude and the A-team. Meet with him and see what he’s already doing and you will be amazed.
2. Claude feeds the elderly ladies before they go home with a healthy snack –
3. The gym is always in need of more equipment, especially weights – if you have any equipment you are not using anymore he would be very happy to take it off your hands
4. Claude is available for motivational speaking and life coaching and does personal training.
5. Most of the elderly come to the centre on foot – he’s hoping to be able to organise a little pickup service for them to come and go as some live quite far away. If anyone can help with this, that would be wonderful.
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