Springboks team photo at welfare organisation Youth Day 2023

Springboks celebrate Youth Day at a welfare organisation in Pretoria. Photo: SA Rugby website.

Springboks celebrate Youth Day with vulnerable Pretoria youngsters

The Springboks mark Youth Day celebrations with inspiring outing to welfare organisation housing over 200 disabled kids.

by Mariette Adams

16-06-2023 09:49

in Springboks

Springboks celebrate Youth Day at a welfare organisation in Pretoria. Photo: SA Rugby website.

The Springboks celebrated Youth Day with the players unloading food, ‘braaiing’ boerewors and interacting with 200 disabled young people at the Kungwini Welfare Organisation.

This event was undertaken in conjunction with FoodForward SA, and team partners the Freddy Hirsch Group and Dettol.

Eleven Springbok players – Eben Etzebeth, Frans Malherbe, Handre Pollard, Manie Libbok, Jesse Kriel, Cobus Reinach, Herschel Jantjies, Marco van Staden, Marvin Orie, Evan Roos, and Joseph Dweba – spent a joyous afternoon with the youth as the Rugby Championship training squad continue their preparations for the tournament in the country’s capital.

The players also participated in an education session with the children to remind them about the importance of hand-washing and hygiene.

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Springboks player Joseph Dweba at 2023 Youth Day celebrations — Springboks player Joseph Dweba during the team’s 2023 Youth Day celebrations. Photo: SA Rugby website.

PLAYERS TRIED TO INSPIRE KIDS AND WERE ALSO INSPIRED BY KIDS

“It was a very humble experience for us as the Springboks to go to the the Kungwini Welfare Organisation, and we are thankful that we had the opportunity to be part of such a special initiative with FoodForward SA, the Freddy Hirsch Group and Dettol,” said Orie.

“As Springboks we believe we are stronger together, and to go out and interact with the youth and give back is part of our vision is to make South Africa a better place where people can dream and strive to become the best in the world.”

Malherbe also encouraged them to keep believing in themselves and strive to achieve their dreams.

“The youth have and will continue to play a vital role in making South Africa such a special place, and it is important that they realise their potential and learn that their dreams can become a reality,” said Malherbe.

“Our message to them is to do their best in every task they perform, always work hard to achieve their dreams and to be the best they can every day.”

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The day was equally important and memorable for FoodForward SA, Dettol and the Freddy Hirsch Group, who played a significant role in making these celebrations possible.

“Ensuring that vulnerable youth have access to nutritious food is a priority for FoodForward SA,” said their Managing Director, Andy du Plessis.

“We’re excited to once again join hands with SA Rugby to celebrate Youth Day and to highlight the importance of creating economic opportunities and access to food for our youth.”