News

World Cup News

16/08/2010

What a whirlwind of activity these past few months have been! The flurry of The World Cup did not pass us by. Shoes Moshoeu, the South African soccer legend, whose football career spans a period of three decades, was led to us via Ayanda Khubeka, our centre manager. Little did she know his adoption of us would trigger five of our children becoming Player Escorts for the UK team when they faced the USA on Saturday 12 July.

John “Shoes” Moshoeu is a mentor, role model, motivational speaker and our newly appointed Patron. Welcome Shoes! Coming from Soweto, he built his way up to becoming one of the top players within SA and Internationally. He was raised by his Grandparents who taught him the importance of hard work, education and discipline. From a young age, Shoes had a passion for football and played at every opportunity, including in the streets. Through hard work, focus and discipline, he was able to achieve. His values and high standard of morality sets an example for our children and youngsters everywhere.

Alastair Marks of Macdonald’s UK came out from England to ensure the entire process was carefully planned. It was important for him to know that our five children could manage every step of their way as they prepared for their short but momentous walk onto the field at Rustenburg with six UK children. Leaving no stone unturned, Alastair and his UK and Johannesburg team ensured the safety and well being of our children and of the Rena staff and parents accompanying them. I quote from a letter I sent to Alastair:

‘I wish you could have heard the screaming on the cold night of 12th June as the remainder of our children sat covered in blankets on the yoga-matted floor in Studio One with gas heaters (thanks to Cargill SA) warming the room and two television sets ( thanks to Moonyeenn Lee) taking us into the stadium in Rustenburg. At least fifty members of the community joined us. As the cameras swung to capture the faces of the children accompanying the teams, a roar of recognition and screams of delight erupted from Studio One. Fingers were pointed at the screens, names of our children yelled out and, in the resulting mayhem we probably missed the first half! We didn’t know what to do with ourselves!’

"Thanks again so much for letting us in to Rena le Lona, life changing for all of us that visited and a timely dose of perspective amongst life's so called daily grind - we are very lucky!" Alastair Marks

Not only did McDonalds make this incredible opportunity possible, but they donated clothing for our five children, backpacks for each of our 117 children, t-shirts for all, a trip to Gold Reef city for the entire group next week, and, to top it all, a brand new, sparkling, fifteen-seater Combi! Rena le Lona received coverage in the UK press and television. Please click onto the following link to read the coverage from The Sun, UK.

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