Inspirational Kiwis Roadshow takes new book from the Far North to Stewart Island
For every copy of The Kiwi Runners’ Family Tree: Volume Two sold, $1.00 will be donated to Paralympics New Zealand (PNZ).
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Dreydon Sobanja tours Aotearoa with inspirational new book The Kiwi Runners’ Family Tree (vol 2)
Endurance athlete, publisher and author Dreydon Sobanja is a self-confessed feminist. He has always believed in championing women – building them up so they can reach their full potential, without dissing men in the process – and marvels at their prowess.
The achievements of women athletes are one of the standouts of Dreydon Sobanja’s new book – The Kiwi Runners’ Family Tree, Volume Two: 2000-2020. Nearly half the athletes featured are women, and women are also over-represented in the global sporting success stakes. Names such as champion ultrarunner Ruth Croft and the stars of the 2019 FISU World University Games – 4 x 100m relay team: Natasha Eady, Olivia Eaton, Zoe Hobbs, Georgia Hulls and Brooke Somerfield.
Since 2000, the rise of New Zealand women athletes has been extraordinary. Collectively, they have broken records, beaten their male counterparts and won competitions. Now, they are poised to realise their dreams at the Tokyo 2020 Olympic and Paralympic Games.
Running legend Allison Roe, who wrote the book’s Foreword, says, “I am incredibly humbled at how far women have come in the discipline of running since I first started out, and marvel at the diversity and inclusiveness in today’s athletic community. Gone are the prejudices faced by runners in the decades leading up to 2000.”
Dreydon Sobanja and Allison Roe
The Second Volume of The Kiwi Runners’ Family Tree builds on the roots of Volume One (published in September 2020) by telling the stories of more than 45 running-related athletes and coaches who have achieved on the international stage, from 2000 to 2020. Some of their stories are told here for the first time. There are more than 35 personal interviews with current and past athletes, and their coaches, to ensure historical and statistical accuracy.
Sobanja’s book celebrates diversity and inclusion, passion and determination, and expertly tells the many linked stories of New Zealand’s sprinters, middle and long-distance runners, ultramarathoners, hurdlers, steeplechasers, race walkers and Para athletes. Details of their achievements, pathways and inspirations are complemented by scores of stunning full colour photos.
Ruth Croft has endorsed The Kiwi Runners’ Family Tree, saying “This Second Volume gives you the opportunity to learn about the current generation of Kiwi runners and will hopefully, in turn, inspire those who follow.”
Sobanja is passionate about inspiring children to dream big and wants to support their mental health and wellbeing. To achieve this, he has already started an ambitious nationwide tour dubbed the Inspirational Kiwis Roadshow. Between July and December 2021, Sobanja will visit scores of schools, libraries and bookshops, from the Far North to Stewart Island taking to the road in a fully branded motorhome, and he is fundraising for Anxiety NZ through a Givealittle campaign.
Dreydon Sobanja is the owner and Director of Inspired Kids Ltd, where he has published Volumes One and Two of The Kiwi Runners’ Family Tree, and three children's books: Bruce Wants to Go Faster, Ed Climbs a Big Hill (about Sir Edmund Hillary) and Jean Dreams of Flying (about pioneering aviator Jean Batten.)
Since 2011, Dreydon has competed in more than 150 endurance events, including two Ironman triathlons, an Ultra-distance marathon, five Half-Ironman triathlons, two marathons, a 10-km swim in Lake Taupo and a cycle around Lake Taupo. He grew up on Waiheke Island, was educated at the University of Auckland and calls Auckland home.
The Kiwi Runners’ Family Tree (Vol 2), published by Inspired Kids Ltd, 05 July 2021, RRP: $29.99
NOTE: For every copy of The Kiwi Runners’ Family Tree: Volume Two sold, $1.00 will be donated to Paralympics New Zealand (PNZ).
Contact: Dreydon Sobanja at Inspired Kids, see the website for details
