Inspired2Become

Gold for I2B

Chris vdm — Fri, 14 Sep 2012 11:07:21 +0000

Fanie’s 2nd Games Testimony:
Hi guys!
So I had another chance after my 200m, what a privilege! I believe the 2 races was a week apart so that the Lord could prepare my heart for the 100m- because I could either fear it or embrace it! This w

as an opportunity to trust the Lord and not rely on my own strength, “to know and rely on the love He has for us” 1John4:16 knowing that He is with me every step of the race, and that He would be glorified in that race no matter what the result would be. (Love is patient and kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It is not rude, it is not self-seeking it is not easily angered; it keeps no records of wrong. It does not delight in evil but rejoice with the truth. It always trust, always hopes always perseveres. Love never fails. 1 Cor.13:4-8).
The week had its ups and downs, but it was mostly good. The week was not easy, but as Anrune says: God doesn’t give you easy, He gives you possible. The times when I kept my eyes on Jesus I saw the possibility, when I took my eyes off Jesus I saw that it is not easy. Spending time with God and having fellowship with my team mates gave me hope (seeing what is possible) with them also encouraging me that the best is yet to come.
On race day I felt good in my warm-up but I was still nervous. Getting into the call room seeing that I had a really fast heat and all these guys who beat me in the 200m was there, fear came over me and thoughts like I’m not even going to make the final. But I thought to myself if this race is really about the Lord and glorifying Him (not about me) then I can run 4 Jesus and not worry about the result. I went out a bit more relaxed, being able to smile and give a thumbs up to the bag carrier, also knowing for Who I am racing and that He is greater and higher than any fear. I ran the heats, evening the world record time of 11.52s. That was such a relieve, I was quit emotional, very thankful and took a lot of confidence out of that race!
I raced my final of London 2012 on Saturday at 20:12. There was not a better kenako moment for me than that. ‘The time is now’. In my warm-up I did not feel that great and my strides did not feel as fast, but I went into the call room knowing my confidence did not come from me feeling good it came from trust in Jesus. ‘In quietness and trust is your strength’! In the call room my focus was not on my competitors, it was on Jesus! Going down in my blocks for a third time I did not feel at my best but I was at a place where I could trust Jesus. My start was fairly good, but the Chinaman – Yongbin was ahead from the start, but I was in the zone, being aware of everything around me but still focusing absolutely just on my race, right up to around the 90m mark the Russian – Roman was still in it, but when I saw it is only me and Yongbin going for the line it gave me new hope to press through and I thought I’m going to catch him, but as we approached the line I realized he will probably get it if we both just dip, it went through my mind to dive for it and I did. Going over the finish line I didn’t know whether I made it or not, but I was satisfied in the fact that I gave it everything I had! Seeing the reply as we were waiting on the track it almost seemed if I would never reach the line first, I kind of disappeared behind Yongbin and then thousands of a second just before the line I popped up at the bottom of the screen. The S.A. boytjies gave a big shout . When I saw my name popping up on the screen first I rejoiced and thanked God! Charl threw the S.A. flag to me, I ran with it full speed around the bend, then the crowd went wild – haha!
I will not trade this whole games experience for anything! I’ve tasted victory and defeat, I know what it is to walk off at sixth place and I know what it is to dive over first! Experiencing this gave me a different perspective, it made me thankful for what I have (even before I’ve won), having compassion with those who did not make it, sharing in the experience. Also seeing how dependent we are on Jesus (anything can happen unexpectantly), human strength is nothing without Jesus, and if daily life and the way you go about life does not have an eternal value (on the life after this one) then it is worthless!
The more I think about this race the more I realize how big miracle this was and that it would not have been possible if it was not for Jesus. Thank You Jesus so much I owe everything to you! I A big thanks to each and every one of you who prayed and interceded for me, who thought of me and cheered for me, I believe it made a huge difference!

11 And this is the testimony: God has given us eternal life, and this life is in his Son. 12 Whoever has the Son has life; whoever does not have the Son of God does not have life.1John5:11-12

12 I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. 13 I can do all this through him who gives me strength.14 Yet it was good of you to share in my troubles. Phil4:12-14
16 This is how we know what love is: Jesus Christ laid down his life for us. And we ought to lay down our lives for our brothers and sisters.1John3:16

16 And so we know and rely on the love God has for us.God is love. Whoever lives in love lives in God, and God in them. 17 This is how love is made complete among us so that we will have confidence on the day of judgment: In this world we are like Jesus. 18 There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear, because fear has to do with punishment. The one who fears is not made perfect in love.116 For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. 17 For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him.John4:16-18.
See what great love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God! And that is what we are!…The reason the Son of God appeared was to destroy the devils work.1John3:1a,8b

16 For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. 17 For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him. John3:16-17
Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, 2 fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer (author) and perfecter of our faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.3 Consider him who endured such opposition from sinners, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.Heb.12:1-3

12 Not that I have already obtained all this, or have already arrived at my goal, but I press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me. 13 Brothers and sisters, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, 14 I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.

Like Arnu would quote from Cool Runnings : “A gold medal is a wonderful thing but if you are not good enough without it, you will never be good enough with it “.
Yes it is great but Jesus is enough and only in Jesus would you find true life… the world will never be good enough, it cannot be good enough, and it should not be – meaning that you should not settle for 2nd best. We are nothing without Jesus and the only thing we can boast in is in the cross of Christ!
Geseend is die wat weet hoe afhanklik hulle van God is Mat5:3
Al my liefde
Fanie

Fanie’s 200m results and testimony

Chris vdm — Wed, 05 Sep 2012 13:03:33 +0000

Fanie’s 200m results and testimony at London:

Hi guys! So I came sixth in my 200m final! My motto for this year was to run, live for Jesus and worship Him in everything I do! Living up to that when the race did not go as planned at all is hard. It is really tough but may He be glorified in my life whether I win or lose because life is all about Him, His glory not ours (easier said than done).

Before the race I was expectant and confident. I came into the race as the world record holder and I am in the best shape I can be. It was a great reality shock realizing I just came sixth. I looked at the SA boytjies sitting in the athletes stand situated at the finish line and it was just silence, looking more shocked than I was (haha). I lifted my hands and walked off. Being the first track athlete I really wanted to encouraged the guys through my performance. I was concerned how this would influence them but God do not need “my great performance” to encourage them, He is their courage and strength! Lying in my bed that night, not being able to sleep, my head was so full of negativity and accusations. It felt as if I am going crazy. I stood up knelt at my bed and said, yes Lord I need Your help, I need You to save me from this and carry me trough this! (Rom14:11 “For it is written, As I live, says the Lord, every knee shall bow to Me, and every tongue shall confess to God” that Jesus Christ is Lord) I went out of my room and sat down in the bathroom. It felt if I had nothing… but I had Jesus and that was enough, and the enemy was trying to steal even Jesus from me. I believe God said to me that He is proud of me because I am His son, not because of my performance and no medal can ever cause Him to be more proud of me (not even a gold medal… haha).

Seeing Charl, Dyan and Anrune perform last night with the Spirit leading them gave me the greatest joy and I worshiped God for that! They make me so proud and I haven’t slept as peaceful and easy as I slept last night as ever on this trip.

My coach wrote me a letter before we came saying may you experience God’s pride over you in this games and it has been so real!

In my dvd I said that I would follow the plan that He has for my life and that His will may take place in my life… I choose to believe that this is in God’s perfect plan for my life right here, right now. I look forward to what lies ahead.

All my love
Fanie

Paralympics Team 2012 London

Chris vdm — Mon, 13 Aug 2012 06:51:59 +0000

Fanie from I2B is included in the Paralympics team who will be leaving Cape Town this Sunday. The Paralympics is from 31 Aug to 8 Sept in London. We pray God’s blessing on the whole journey for all the athletes!

The I2B public skate park vision

Chris vdm — Fri, 08 Jun 2012 11:49:26 +0000

At Inspired2Become we believe that, in the same way that each neighborhood has their own sport field or play park, each neighborhood should also have their own public skate park. As I2B does youth development this is an awesome way to do it I believe…….to build or fight for proper public skate parks as a way to do community development and by having clubs at these skate parks you also do youth development. Please get in contact with us if you would like to support the cause!!

Below are some examples of what we hopefully can establish in areas such as:

Somerset West at Radloff park mini ramp

Cloetesville tennis courts in Stellenbosch

Somerset West or Strand (The old Shed skate park – put metal over wooden ramps and a roof over the bowl):

The dream I2B Center:

Please let me know if you would like to get involved.

Asian x-games finals results

Chris vdm — Sun, 29 Apr 2012 13:46:37 +0000

Well, you are probably wondering if it rained today…….it didn’t, so it was go-time for the finals! I was glad to skate again but didn’t want to lose my 6th place. Jami and I just prayed for God’s will to happen.

Below: Chris van der Merwe in the warm ups before the finals

Last night we ate some chicken and my stomach started feeling bad about 20mins after that. This morning I went to the stadium where the X-Games is being held with a body that is not feeling ready to skate a competition. Jami and I prayed and just believed that I would be ready when the warm ups start. They delayed the competition with an hour because of last night’s rain that they needed to dry on the the course. By the time the warm ups started I was feeling way better and ready to roll.

Below: Finals warm up time

In the finals was two heats of 5 skaters, I was in the second heat. I didn’t really watch the first heat intensely and I didn’t know what the competitors’ scores was. You get 4 runs of 45 seconds. I messed up my first run, then landed a safe run in my second go. In my third and fourth run I tried to step up the level a bit but messed up in both runs. The top 5 went through to the last final which I knew I didn’t make. So Jami and I was just hoping and praying from that point on that I would remain in my previous placing, 6th place.

After the contest I really wanted to be a bit angry for not landing the more difficult run I wanted to do, then Jami just said, “Chris, remember that we said we are going to praise God no matter what happens.” Then we prayed and just thanked God for an awesome time and that we would be happy with whatever the outcome might be but also that it would be really nice to remain in 6th place but still let His will be done coz His will is perfect. Well, God is always good and we can just be stoked with what He gives us because He knows best. Thank you Lord!!!!

Below is the final results:

10. Kirill Galushko (RUS)

9. Diego Guilloud (SUI)

8. Pascal Morasse (CAN)

7. Chien Kai aka Killa K (TPE)

6. Chris van der Merwe (RSA)

5. Chris Haffey (USA)

4. Yuto Goto (JPN)

3. Worapoj Boonnim aka Note (THA)

2. Soichiro Kanashima (JPN)

1. Jeff Stockwell (USA)

Asian x-games prelims results

Chris vdm — Sat, 28 Apr 2012 10:05:21 +0000

Below: Jeff Stockwell and Chris van der Merwe on the Asian X-Games Street Course 2012

My wife and I came to Shanghai feeling awful. Weirdly enough we both got a cold/flu the night before our flight and suffered a bit on the plain to China. To top that we also had a big fight the night before the flight. Jami and I just realised that this is just the devil wanting to steal our joy and make this whole trip miserable. Well we just decided to pray and also asked others to pray and the trip this far (3rd day in Shanghai) has been really blessed. So thanks to all the great people who supports us and prayed for us.

Below: The Asian X-Games Street Course 2012

Today was the prelims with 22 athletes from around the world. The street course was really hard for me to skate coz the ramps are really big (which I’m not used to) so I didn’t have the best confidence. It also felt like I didn’t sleep at all last night. This morning my wife and I just consecrated the day to the Lord and prayed for His will to be done. I felt good during warm ups and was still working on some tricks when Azikwe Anderson (a well respected person in the rollerblading industry) called me aside. He gave me some good pointers and advice that really built up my confidence. I’m sure he was sent by God even though he maybe didn’t realise it himself. I ended up doing one clean, kinda simple run and messed the others up a bit. Afterwards Jami and I was not sure if I would make the finals but we just knew God’s will would happen……..and here are the prelim top 10 results:

10. Kirill Galushko (RUS) 69.33

9. Diego Guilloud (SUI) 69.33

8. Pascal Morasse (CAN) 75.00

7. Chien Kai aka Killa K (TPE) 76.00

6. Chris van der Merwe (RSA) 76.33

5. Yuto Goto (JPN) 80.00

4. Worapoj Boonnim aka Note (THA) 80.33

3. Chris Haffey (USA) 81.00

2. Soichiro Kanashima (JPN) 83.33

1. Jeff Stockwell (USA) 85.33

The finals will be tomorrow although there is a good chance for rain. If it rains out the prelim results will count for the finals. Whatever happens we are just truly grateful!

I2B at the Asian X Games

Chris vdm — Thu, 26 Apr 2012 11:48:10 +0000

Chris and his wife have the privilege to be in China from 26April-1May 2012. Chris will be competing in the Asian X-Games Aggressive Inline Skating devision and his wife, Jami, will be by his side supporting him. This is likely to be Chris’s last Asian X-Games. Please pray for their travels and that they may shine God’s love where they go. Below is Chris and Jami on the train in Hong Kong before they take their flight to Shanghai where the X-Games is being held.

A call to support: Jan Nehro

Chris vdm — Mon, 20 Feb 2012 11:02:47 +0000

A CALL TO SUPPORT JAN NEHRO ACHIEVE HIS DREAM TO GO TO THE LONDON 2012 PARALYMPIC GAMES

Jan Nehro grew up on a farm in Riebeek-kasteel named Riebeeksrivier. He was born partially blind, but later on lost his sight completely. As a boy, Jan was always inspired by Hennie Vlok, a runner who used to run past him on the farm, and it was at a young age that Jan started dreaming of one day becoming an athlete himself!

He started running to school with the other kids, but because of his sight he never received an education. As a blind runner Jan is depended on a full time guide, to be his eyes. He has always managed to somehow stay fit and has done seven Comrades Marathons, some without guides by just following other athletes. Jan met Duane Fortuin, his now full time guide through a family member in 2002 and since 2003 they have been running together as much as they can, but because Jan stay in Riebeeksrivier and Duane in Kuilsrivier, they have a lot of struggles.
In September, 2006, at the IPC (International Paralympic Committee) World Champs in Assen, Netherlands, the 10,000m event for Class B1 (Jan’s Class), the bronze medalist completed the race in a time of 34:54.43. On the 14 November, 2006 in the Bellville Stadium, Jan Nehro finished in a time of 34:39.07 (running with his guide Duane)! His time in the 5,000m on the Coetzenburg Track (15:29.43) in October 2006 would have secured him the gold medal in Assen, 2006!

For me that is a World Class talent just overlooked and neglected, but Jan with his fighting spirit and passion for running made sure he was there at the next IPC World Champs that was held in Christ Church New Zealand 2011. This was also a lifelong dream coming true for Jan to represent South Africa in Athletics. With the competition that was tough Jan and Duane finished 6th in the 5,000m, which placed them 7^th on the world rankings. With Duane being a talented able bodied runner, he is giving up a lot of his own dreams so that Jan can follow his.

Taking in consideration that they didn’t have a coach and hardly any financial support (with neither one of them having a full time job) it made it extremely difficult just looking after their basic needs, that’s not even to mention their training needs, I would say they did tremendously well! At Christ Church having to deal with a lot of first time experiences for example their first time flying, their first international competition and having to coupe with all the stress that goes with that, even dealing with the earthquakes while being there, I am very proud of them. (Imagine where they could have been if they had the right guidance and support since 2006).

To compete at the level they do, and to train at the intensity that they do, keeping your body injury free and in a healthy condition, you need a lot of specific sport science input for example physiotherapy, biokenetics which will be focusing on strength and conditioning, maybe even gym training, for recovery: massages and ice baths, some supplements. They would also need training gear and equipment, what makes this so expansive is what counts for Jan counts also for Duane. To get Jan closer to Duane he has to live with his cousin in Kuilsrivier, and then Jan and Duane travel together to Stellenbosch to get proper training.

To be able to get financial support from SASCOC (the national federation) you need to be ranked in top 4 in the world, so at the moment they get no support from their federation! It is our goal to give them the necessary support that will condition them to qualify for the London 2012 Paralympics this year and therefore ask if the Lord press it on your heart to contribute to support Jan to please adhere to the call! We also have a project through Les Pretorius who cells hand- and picnic bags (photos and prices seen below)!

Jan and Duane at IPC World Champs in Christchurch

Jan and Duane holding their trophies for recognition of exellence in 2011!

The bags Les Pretorius is selling to support Jan, in both photos from left: the biggest bags: R250. Left middle (medium size bags): R200. Right middle (hand bags): R150. Right (small bags): R125

Below is a Summary of the budget worked out for Jan and Duane.

Jan Nehro	Amount	Duane Fortuin	Amount
Living costs:		Living Costs:
Accommodation and meals (including supplements)	R1500	Accommodation and meals (including supplements)	R1500
Communication	R200	Communication (Cellphone and internet)	R300
Water and Electricity	R300	Water and Electricity	R500
Transport	R500	Transport	R500
Pocket money	R500	Pocket money	R500
Total	R3000	Total	R3300

Training Support:		Training support:
Physio and massages	R1500	Physio and massages	R1500
Other (ice baths, gym, bio)	R300	Other ( ice baths, gym, bio)	R300
Competitions ( entry fees, transport)	R200	Competitions ( entry fees, transport)	R200
Coaching Fees	R500	Coaching Fees	R500
Total	R2500		R2500
Total (for 7 months)	R5500 X 7 (months) = R38, 500	Total (for 7 months)	R5800 X 7 (months) = R40, 600

Once off Training kit:		Once off Training kit:
Track suits	R1500	Track suits	R1500
Training shoes	R1400	Training shoes	R1400
Spikes	R1200	Spikes	R1200
Running Clothing	R1000	Running Clothing	R1000
Total (Once off)	R5100	Total (Once off)	R5100

Subtotal (all expenses for Jan and Duane) = R89, 300

ATHLETICS CAREER
DUANE FORTUIN
13/07/1984

ACHIEVEMENTS
CROSS COUNTRY (CELTICS HARRIERS CLUB)
ATHLETE OF THE YEAR (2004)

TRACK & FIELD (CELTICS HARRIERS CLUB)
ATHLETE OF THE YEAR (2009)

W.P. AWARD (CROSS COUNTRY)
MOST IMPROVED ATHLETE (2008)

REPRESENTED W.P. AT NATIONALS
Ø CROSS COUNTRY (MEN 12 KM) 2008-2011
Ø TRACK & FIELD (MEN 1500m) 2009

BEST PERFORMAMCES
TRACK & FIELD
YELLOW PAGES (1 MILE) 2010
TIME: 4:14.81 (3^RD)

W.P. CHAMPS (2009-2011)
W.P. CHAMPS 1^st/ 500m – 3:58.8
3^rd / 5000 m – 14:57.8 (PB)
S.A. CHAMPS 1 ROUND 8^th 1500 M 3:57.6 (PB)

CROSS CPOUNTRY (2011)
WON 2 LEAGUES IN MEN 12 KM
W.P. CHAMPS MEN 12 KM – 4^TH – 35:48
S.A. CHAMPS MEN 12 KM – 30^th – 38:49

ROAD RUNNING (2009 – 2011)
BLUE DOWNS 10 KM – 1^st – 31:51
OLD MUTUAL 10 KM – 3^rd – 30:38 (PB)
ATLANTIS 15 KM – 6^th – 47:55
ATLANTIS 15 KM – 4^th – 47:00 (PB)

HEWAT 21.1 KM 6^th – 68:55
REALTORS INTERNATIONAL 5^th – 67:47 (PB)

ATHLETICS CAREER
JAN NEHRO
22/01/1973
BLIND ATHLETE (CLASS T11)

ACHIEVEMENTS
Ø COMPLETEDS 7 COMRADES MARATHONS
Ø PERSONAL BEST TIME OF 7:23 (2000)
KAROO ULTRA MARATHON 80 KM – 1^st time: 6:03

Ø REPRESENTED W.P. AT SASAPD (TRACK & FIELD)
Ø REPRESESNTED S.A. AT IPC WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP IN NEW ZEALAND 2011

W.P.S.A.P.D AWARD 2011
Ø RECOGNITION OF EXCELLENCE IN SPORT

BEST PERFORMANCES
TRACK & FIELD (GUIDE) 2011
S.A. RECORD 1500 M T11 – 4:33
S.A. RECORD 5000 M T11 – 16:08 99

ROAD RUNNING (GUIDE) 2000 – 2011
PAARLBERG 10 KM – 30^th – 33:22 (PB)
OLD MUTUAL 10 KM – 32^nd – 35:18

BLOUBERG STRAND 15 KM – 20 – 52:15 (PB)
EERSTERIVER 15 KM – 47 54:19

SAFARI 21.1 KM – 32^nd – 1:16
GUNRUN 21: 1 KM – 18^th – 1:14) PB)

BOLAND MARATHON CHAMPS – 3^rd – 2:55.04
CAPE TOWN MARATHON -67^th – 2:50.55
KELDER TO KELDER MARATHON – 6^th – 2:37 (PB)

2011 World Championships 1500m – 6^th – 16:11

We are aiming to support Jan and Duane from the beginning of March (as seen on budget).

Please Note: We are currently running as a youth sport project under Prochorus Community Developments. We will hopefully have a new bank account before the end of the month, but we will keep you updated.

Bank details:
Name: Prochorus Community Developments
Bank: NEDBANK
Branch code: 107110
Account No: 1071 313 452
Swift code: NEDSZAJJ
Reference: Jan Nehro
e- mail proof of payment (if possible) to: fanie@inspired2become.org

Thank you for your time and support!

The Inspired2Become Crew!

The new I2B events park

Chris vdm — Thu, 02 Feb 2012 10:25:48 +0000

We are busy building the new I2B Events Park. It will only get used for big comps and events and also for weekly club meetings. If you would like to join a club, check out clubs under current projects, or give me a shout. This is the only way that people can skate this park. There will be no open sessions. So join a club

We still need lots of wood and lots of help with the building. Please check the group on facebook, Son Skate Stellenbosch, for updates when we are building and skating. Thanks for your support!

Son Skate Stellenbosch park – coming to an end

Chris vdm — Thu, 08 Dec 2011 11:35:12 +0000

The Son Skate Stellenbosch Indoor skatepark is closing on the 11th of December. Thanks to everyone who supported it! I love you all! Thanks God for 5 good years of having a skate park at our church and letting people skate there everyday!

2007

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2011