TRAIL RUNNING
Jenna , David , Bruce and Bongs collect their trophy
Putting the Money to Good Use
Teko hangs out with young fans at the Luvuyo Orphanage in Soshanguve
Ultimate Bragging Rights
Three weeks after the cricketers completed the challenge , the big day arrived for the results to be announced , and to find out which sporting code had earned bragging rights as the fastest , toughest team . First , however , highly emotive and heartfelt messages were given by all of the competing athletes and sports managers at the Awards Dinner . From an athlete ’ s perspective , Makhaya summed up the general feeling when he said , “ This is by far the hardest thing we have ever done . It tested our patience and our pain thresholds , and really gave us an opportunity to think about what positive changes we want to make in our lives going forward .”
And then came the big announcement , that the winning team was Team Running ! However , team manager Bruce Fordyce was quick to echo Makhaya ’ s sentiments and encapsulate the same general spirit , saying , “ No one team is a winner tonight , we are all winners , and we are humbled to have been given this incredible opportunity to do something positive in such a challenging time .”
With 800km under his belt , Erik says the pan challenged each team in different ways , but mental fatigue and sleep deprivation were the two big factors they all had to contend with . “ When you are used to spending 90 minutes in action – or even six to seven hours on the road , in the case of the runners – then walking 200km is a completely different experience . These are all world class athletes , but the experience challenged even the toughest amongst them .”
Looking back , Erik says two things stand out for him after the challenge . “ Firstly , all of us have immense potential within us , as clearly demonstrated by all four teams , but what really hit home was just how far people can stretch when motivated by a cause bigger than themselves . They find the tenacity and grit way beyond what they thought was possible , and I ’ d like to thank each athlete who accepted this challenge to make a difference . We all have memories to last a lifetime . Thank you , it ’ s been a most amazing journey with all of you .”
“ It was an exceptional experience and a privilege to watch world class athletes battle it out over the gruelling 200km endurance race on the Verneukpan .” That ’ s how the man behind the Battle of the Sports , Clive Grinaker describes it , and the CEO of Grinsport Consulting and Events to Aid adds , “ When we first conceptualised the project , we wanted something that would inspire South Africans , and what better way than through their sporting heroes . If they could sacrifice so much on the pan , then our plea was for the country to support the Challenge with a small donation , because so many vulnerable communities are still reeling from the effects of COVID , and these are the communities we are supporting .”
All funds raised through the BrightRock Battle of the Sports will be used to effect positive change in COVID-19 relief efforts in South Africa , says Clive . “ The entire programme will be managed exclusively by Right to Care , the highly respected , independent non-profit COVID-orientated NGO founded 19 years ago by Professor Ian Sanne , one of the country ’ s most prominent and internationally renowned infectious diseases doctors .”
Right to Care has three of the most well-regarded scientists in the country on its advisory panel . They are Professor Sanne himself ( CEO of Right to Care ), Professor Glenda Gray ( President and CEO of the South African Medical Research Council ) and Professor Shabir Madhi ( Professor of Vaccinology at Wits ). Dr Ali Bacher ( former President of Cricket South Africa ) and Shauket Fakie ( former Auditor General of SA ) are also part of the Right To Care board . “ This team will assist us in making sure that the funds raised are channelled to the appropriate areas we have identified for COVID relief ,” concludes Clive .
Professor Sanne adds , “ Thank you for the supreme efforts of Grinsport , BrightRock and all the sporting teams who participated in the BrightRock Battle of the Sports . It ’ s been a privilege for Right to Care to be involved , and we are delighted to be able to allocate all of the funds raised towards vulnerable communities affected by the COVID virus . USAID has provided matching funds towards facilities that house vulnerable and institutionalised people – old age homes , and those with mental or emotional challenges – as well as COVID-19 prevention in vulnerable populations . This amounts to R5,5-million in support of the BrightRock Battle of the Sports programme objectives .”
Victorious Team Running
To find out more about the BrightRock Battle of the Sports Challenge and to see more great pics and vids of the various teams in action , go to www . battleofthesports . co . za .
For more on Right To Care , go to www . righttocare . org .
David , Bruce and Teko helping to hand out supplies
Images : Courtesy BrightRock Battle of the Sports
30 ISSUE 135 NOVEMBER 2020 / www . modernathlete . co . za