Recently retired Blitzbok Branco du Preez will give back to the community, thanks to taking up an ambassadorship with the Forward Foundation, which is based in Raithby.
The foundation focuses on a range of skills and physical education from a holistic development perspective, which is directed at previously disadvantaged communities to provide equal opportunities for all ages from pre-primary through to high school and beyond.
Founded by Le Roux Conradie, the organisation aims to provide opportunities for rugby players from all walks of life in and around the Helderberg and greater Western Cape with their vision to grow beyond.
“Each of the players across all teams that play for the Forward Foundation contributes on a great level to the success of each event, competition and tournament we participate in,” said Conradie, who is also the foundation’s managing director.
“The Forward Foundation is built on helping others through sustainable efforts that allow us to make a difference at a grassroots level. Many of these would not be possible without our partnerships and relationships the Forward Foundation has with corporations.”
Du Preez, who recently announced his retirement from professional rugby, is one of a few ambassadors for the Forward Foundation having aligned himself with the organisation that embodies sport development on and off the field. Other ambassadors include former Miss South Africa finalist Bianca Bezuidenhout and hit South African husband-and-wife band, Bottomless Coffee.
“I am proud to be associated with such a great group of people,” he said.
“The work that Le Roux, the guys and girls at the Forward Foundation do is something I enjoy being involved in, since it resonates with me. I come from a similar background as most of the youths playing for the Forward Foundation. Having the opportunities that the foundation creates will help build their confidence to pursue a career in sports.”
Hailing from George, Du Preez is the most capped Springbok 7s player, having represented South Africa 431 times and scoring 1 441 points during his 12-year career.
