Underprivileged young athletes get their chance to shine in Monaco rugby tournament 

A group of youngsters from underprivileged areas of the Western Cape are being given the opportunity to participate in the Sainte Dévote Tournament, a rugby 7s tournament, held in Monaco in March 2017. 

The tour is part of an arrangement between SARLA, The Princess Charlene of Monaco Foundation, as well as the Monaco Rugby Federation. The tournament includes teams from around the world and this is the third year that South African youth will take part. The arrangement is an example of how sport can play a vital role in social upliftment, giving young children from underprivileged areas the chance of a lifetime to travel to an exciting new destination, with cultural exchanges and fun activities being arranged throughout their stay in Monaco to help them to develop as athletes and to grow in a personal capacity. The children also learn to work together as a team towards the goal of performing well in this prestigious international tournament.

According to Gavin Varejes, President of SARLA, “My involvement with the sport of rugby has shown me how it encourages players to develop values such as team spirit, fun, fellowship, solidarity, and good sportsmanship. The South African youngsters selected for the Sainte Dévote Tournament will benefit immensely from the experience and we hope that it will inspire them to work hard and achieve other successes both on and off the field.” This is part of the mandate of the South African Rugby Legends Association, which works to develop rugby at grassroots level and does extensive work with disadvantaged communities. Varejes adds, “We are extremely grateful to Cell C, as the headline sponsor, for making this fantastic opportunity possible through their generous ongoing contribution.”

SARLA’s CEO, Stefan Terblanche, states that SARLA is honored to be invited to send a team to the tournament once more. He points out that, “Making dreams a reality for rugby-loving kids is a huge part of what SARLA wants to achieve, and this is an opportunity to do just that.” He thanks Cell C for their support in making the dreams of 12 young South African athletes come true. Terblanche also thankfully acknowledges the support and assistance of Blitz Bok coach Neil Powell and 7’s Academy and Elite squad manager Marius Schoeman.

Dr Doug Mattheus, Executive Head of Marketing, explains why Cell C became involved: “We’re a proud sponsor of the South African Rugby Legends Association, and are delighted to be associated with this tournament that brings joy, and the chance to acquire top level skills from rugby’s finest to a group of young underprivileged South African boys, not to mention the huge overall developmental impact this experience will have on them in broader terms, of experiencing a new country and new culture. It’s a great privilege for Cell C to be involved in this extremely worthwhile social upliftment campaign.”