Help Blanco's rising stars reach their dreams

GEORGE NEWS - Blanco is home to some of the country's most talented young sportsmen, and now, two of our own have the chance to represent South Africa on the international stage. But they need your help to get there.

Big dreams, one challenge

"Our community touch rugby team, run by Zeal Men's Group NPC, has been growing steadily over the past four years," says an excited Blanco Storms coach, Ampie Vorster.

"What started as a small group playing touch rugby every Tuesday has become a force to be reckoned with. We've not only developed a strong team but also produced two young stars who have made it to the South African Junior Team."

This year, they have two goals. They want to get their Eden team to the inter-provincial tournament (IPT) in Johannesburg and send the two rising stars, Calvin Pietersen and Riwaldo Goliath, to Ireland to represent South Africa at the Youth Atlantic Cup.

A big opportunity

Sixteen of the young men have been selected to represent the Eden Touch Association at the IPT in Johannesburg from 25 to 29 April. These young athletes have proven themselves at provincial level, and now they get to test their skills on the national stage.

"To make this possible, we need to raise funds for safe travel, accommodation, and team kits," says Vorster.

Blanco's first SA juniors

Pietersen and Goliath are among only 14 players from across the country who have been selected to play for South Africa's u.19 men's Touchboks at the Youth Atlantic Cup in Ireland in July.

They are also the first juniors ever from George and the Garden Route to represent South Africa in an international touch rugby tournament.

"Every week, they walk from Blanco to the Outeniqua Park stadium to train with the Eden touch rugby team. Rain or shine, they never miss a session. But they don't just play – they give back. Every week, they coach younger kids in Blanco, inspiring the next generation of touch rugby players," says Vorster.

The final hurdle

The only thing standing between Pietersen and Goliath and their dreams is funding. While the South African Touch Association (Sata) provides some support, the majority of the costs must be covered by the players themselves. This means they need the help of individuals and businesses to make these dreams a reality.

"We are reaching out to businesses, community members and sports lovers to help us raise the funds. Any contribution, big or small, will help allow them to represent not only South Africa but also George, Blanco," said Vorster.

To For donate or sponsor them, please contact Eden Touch head coach Tyron Fuschy on 083 309 1257, or Vorster on 079 081 9174.