Sport in South Africa has historically served to bring our nation together, be it the Rugby World Cup in 1995 or the World Cup Soccer in 2010. Not only does it serve as a platform to launch fresh young sporting talent, but it has also become a means to educate youth about issues ranging from HIV & AIDS to drug and alcohol abuse. Exposure to sport – be it through a passionate school coach or a development programme or a neighbour – has changed the path of many young South Africans who could have and would have become victims of circumstance.
With the 2012 Olympics around the corner, our athletes will compete at an international level, and hopefully generate stories that will inspire their peers for generations to come.
Who are they? Tell us their story. Do you know of anyone who’s life has been changed by sport? Are there any local sporting heroes in your community? What sporting programmes are you aware of that are helping to make a difference and inspire your community and beyond?