Saints Athletics Club paving the way for talented migrants with new program

They all came to Australia searching for more opportunities. Now these inspiring migrants and refugees are on track to be SA’s next Olympians. Check out their stories.

Saints Athletics Club member (L-R) Andrew Maenda, 13, KC Obi, 14, Ifeoma Achusiogu, 13, and Archie Joseph, 19 at St Peter’s College where they train. Picture: Naomi Jellicoe

Their families all arrived in Australia looking for more opportunities.

Now these teenagers – most originally from West Africa – have found just that and more in new program at a local athletics club.

Saints Athletics Club’s inclusion program is entering its second year and has 15 rising stars, mainly migrants training together.

Coach Rick Wilson said the program had discovered many talented athletes but was also designed to help migrants assimilate into the community.

“We have targeted kids form West Africa, new arrivals or recently arrived in Australia,” Wilson said.

“We introduce them to track and field at an elite level, they train with elite coaches, on an elite training surface.

Saints Athletics Club members Andrew Maenda, KC Obi, Ifeoma Achusiogu, and Archie Joseph. Picture: Naomi Jellicoe

“They also feel really safe coming here, as well, and we just have a really kind, friendly environment.

“Out of the 15 athletes, 12 have qualified for the Australian Championships in their first year of doing it.”

Wilson said the program was mirrored on one in Sydney, run by Australian sprint and relay coach John Quinn.

The Saints Athletic Club program relies heavily State Government and Athletics SA funding.

But Wilson hoped the local community would also pitch in to help grow the program.

“We want to try and take our athletes to NSW to train with John and his group,” Wilson said.

“Most in that group are Olympians who have either represented Australia or other countries at the Rio Olympics and they would mentor our athletes.

“But the big issue is funding, so we are really trying to find an angel or someone who might want to sponsor these kids.

“Our athletes could 100 per cent be Olympians, if they can keep fit, the kids have the qualities to keep going.”

Saints Athletics Club member Andrew Maenda. Picture: Supplied

Andrew Maenda, a member of the Saints inclusion program, is now the fastest South Australian in the under-14 boys 100m category.

The 13-year-old broke the state under-14 SA record at the State Multi Event Championship at the weekend, running 11.49 secs.

The Mark Oliphant College student arrived in Australia as a three-year-old from Congo with his Mum.

He is proud of what he has achieved so far and the opportunities Saints has given him.

“I’ve just been working hard and following Rick’s instructions,” Andrew said.

“I know I’ll have to put a lot of effort into it and stay dedicated, but if I stay close with this group and work hard I think I can make it.

“This program has challenged me mentally and prepared me for specific things and I learnt new things about this sport that I didn’t know before.”

Ifeoma Achusiogu was born in Trinidad and Tobago before migrating to Tasmania and then arriving in Adelaide when she was five.

She was the fastest SA runner in her age group last year.

Ifeoma said the Saints program helped her realise her potential and she had hopes of making an Australian team in the future.

“I want to make it to the Olympics and hopefully win a gold medal,” Ifeoma, 13, said.

“The program has improved my wellbeing, it gives me a chance to work on myself and improve how I feel.”