It is not uncommon for elite athletes to launch foundations and invest in their communities, but the reality is, more often than not, they have little impact. Either due to lack of funding or other support, or lack of time and energy by those who try, many foundations have a name but cannot provide real support. But there are instances when the country’s top sports stars can find ways to make a real difference, using their influence and resources to promote useful organizations, ideas and products. Join us…
It is not uncommon for elite athletes to launch foundations and invest in their communities, but the reality is, more often than not, they have little impact.
Either due to lack of funding or other support, or lack of time and energy by those who try, many foundations have a name but cannot provide real support.
But there are instances when the country’s top sports stars can find ways to make a real difference, using their influence and resources to promote useful organizations, ideas and products.
Joining the club, track athletes Akani Simbine and Caster Semenya are taking steps to address real issues that hinder youth.
National 100m record holder Simbine announced this week that his own foundation will now support an organization that provides an essential tool unavailable to many young South Africans: school desks.
READ ALSO: Akani Simbine is still hungry for gold after the Games silver
Simbine is now an ambassador for MiDesk Global, which makes school bags that are converted into desks and chairs.
With solar lights and a USB charging port, this desk ensures that children can learn, despite the country’s energy crisis.
Driving long-term success
“No matter what career path you may choose in the future, investing in young children is the starting point for success,” Simbine said yesterday.
In addition, two-time Olympic 800m champion Caster Semenya has for some time been an ambassador for PrincessD, an organization that provides reusable feminine hygiene products to girls in underprivileged areas, so they don’t have to miss school breaks year. week every month.
Sometimes, athletes just start the basics because they believe they have something to do. But the likes of Simbine and Semenya have found ways to make a real difference by addressing issues that affect millions of South Africans.
Although they keep school and provide the resources they need to study at home, MiDesk and PrincessD are not angel funds. It is an organization that produces patented products that are promoted and sold.
But they created and provided a great solution, and it’s great that top athletes are finding ways to raise funds to make it available.
READ ALSO: Caster Semenya is the epitome of versatility
We cannot blame people for not fulfilling their promises to lead development and help the youth. It is not an easy task.
Few people follow through, however, and as challenging as it is to devote enough time and resources to help, they prove that it can be done.