This exciting Scooterthon, from Monday, November 7 to Sunday, November 13, comprised of a 1 000km road trip on scooters from Cape Town to visit towns along the Garden Route and Klein Karoo, where free coaching clinics were presented to children from all walks of life.
Pezula’s Field of Dreams was abuzz on Wednesday, November 16, as several children descended on the field to meet some of their rugby icons and attend a coaching clinic.
Evert Ferreira, former provincial rugby and cricket player and representative of Prosport International (which orchestrated this event), said on Pezula’s website that all too often sport stars’ diaries don’t allow time for good causes giving back to the community. He said, "These guys are bucking the trend early in their careers by taking the time and making the effort. This road trip put smiles on the faces of dozens of children along their route."
The children who participated in the coaching clinic were from Sunridge Primary School, Hornlee Primary, Sedgefield Primary School and Thembelitsha Primary School.
These children all received the opportunity to drive on their rugby icon’s scooters prior to learning all there is to learn about rugby. The children met Nick Koster, Tiger Bax and Tim Whitehead, among others. "These kids will never forget this experience, and we are delighted to have been part of it," said Pezula’s general manager, Boris Bornman on the website. The JAG rugby programme utilises the sport of rugby to teach kids about self-discipline, perseverance, leadership and healthy competition.
The aim of this programme is also to encourage learners to make informed decisions both on and off the field, especially in communities which suffer from drug abuse, violence, crime and low self-esteem.
In association with leading industry bodies such as Childline SA, JAG Rugby, also strives to address socioeconomic issues such as neglect, abuse and bullying. JAG Rugby’s anti-bullying campaign demonstrates non-contact rugby skills to help combat bullying as well as educating kids about the different forms of bullying and why children bully. The campaign is endorsed by Springbok loose-forward, Pierre Spies thousand of children have already benefited from the campaign. JAG Rugby has produced some outstanding players, resulting in both boys and girls being awarded bursaries and scholarships to leading schools in the Western Cape.
These achievements are set to inspire and encourage other children to also strive to succeed in their rugby and academic skills.
Children of Knysna share a last moment of joy with their rugby heroes at Pezula’s Field of Dreams. (Photo: Elle Photography).
ARTICLE: ROZANO ALIE, KNYSNA-PLETT HERALD JOURNALIST
