Some big names in South African sports have linked up with local NGO Events to Aid and life insurer BrightRock for an exciting fundraising initiative.
The sports legend will take part in a 200km endurance race against time at Verneukpan in the Northern Cape.
The BrightRock Battle of the Sports
The event – titled The BrightRock Battle of the Sports – will not only test which sporting code produces the toughest athletes, but will also raise funds for personal protective equipment (PPE) for frontline workers in the fight against the COVID-19 pandemic.
Events to aid founder, Clive Grinaker says the aim is to raise R100 million for those who put their lives at risk fighting the pandemic.
“There is no doubt that the power of sport has often been used to drive positive change and with the help of some of South Africa’s leading sports icons across various disciplines, we are able to do just this – while giving each and every citizen of the country an opportunity to join in and support the cause.”
Participating athletes
The battle of the sports will pit ex-internationals from South Africa’s most popular codes.
Representing football is former Bafana Bafana trio Matthew Booth, Siyabonga Nomvethe and Teko Modise, who will be managed by Afcon-winning former national skipper, Neil Tovey.
Rugby World Cup-winning captain John Smit will represent the Springboks, along with former international hookers Hanyani Shimange and Schalk Brits, with ex-flyhalf Butch James managing the team.
Former Proteas batsman Jonty Rhodes will manage his ex-national teammates in a team made up of fast-bowling duo Makhaya Ntini and Monde Zondeki and legendary all-rounder Lance Klusener.
The running team is managed by Comrades Marathon legend, Bruce Fordyce, who will be mentoring fellow winners of the ultra-marathon David Gatebe, Bongmusa Mthembu and Nick Bester.
The event will take place between Saturday, 6 September and 12 October.
