A Lotus River gymnast, Saarah Bosch, has received support from fellow learner Cassidy Hendricks, who is helping raise funds to cover Saarah’s travel costs and sports gear for an upcoming tournament.

Saarah is an eight-year-old gymnast who has already won an impressive collection of gold medals and qualified for the Western Cape gymnastics trials earlier this month, bringing her one step closer to her dream of one day representing South Africa.

Gymnastics journey

Her mother, Rushana Bosch, previously said that despite growing up in a community often affected by gang violence and crime, Saarah has remained focused on her goals.

However, as a single parent, it has become a financial strain to sustain all the entry fees, transport, accommodation, training costs and meals while travelling.

The family is hoping to raise R2 500 to cover costs associated with upcoming competitions.

Inspiration strikes

When Cassidy read about Saarah’s journey in gymnastics in the People’s Post, she kickstarted a fundraiser to assist her with the travelling costs, her grandmother, Brenda Tommy, recalls.

Cassidy attends Ferndale Primary School while Saarah goes to Buck Road Primary School.

“So far she’s raised R500 for Saarah and gifted her with a goodie bag of toiletries, a new towel and snacks as well as a school blazer and a new school dress and pullover,” said Tommy.

The day Cassidy dropped off the goodie bag, she left a letter amongst the items she donated to Saarah, in which she wrote: “Dear Saarah, don’t be afraid. Anything is possible. Believe in yourself.”

Cassidy’s grandfather, Chris, has also raised funds for Saarah by selling his famous Tripe and Trotters Curry and Rice through a few orders from her friends, Tommy adds.

Donations

Upon hearing and receiving the donations, Bosch was overjoyed.

“We would like to say thank you to aunty Brenda and Cassidy for the donations and goodie bags! Thank you for the words of encouragement for Saarah; we really appreciate it,” she said.

Saarah will be competing at an upcoming Western Cape gymnastics competition in Saldanha on Sunday 16 August, her mother added.

To gain more funding momentum, Cassidy and Tommy have forwarded a request to Ward 65 Councillor Donovan Nelson, Premier Alan Winde and a few sponsors who assisted Cassidy previously.

“We’re also going to be having a raffle next month as well as another food sale which will go towards Saarah’s competition expenses. She competes in many competitions and is constantly needing assistance. Her mom is on maternity leave currently and they live with her grandfather,” Tommy added. Cassidy takes on worthy causes especially where underprivileged kids are involved and reaches out to family, friends and corporates for assistance,” Tommy added.

Bosch also credits Saarah’s grandfather, Robert Bosch, who has also played a vital role in funding Saarah’s journey.

To contribute contact Rushana Bosch at 062 775 7131.

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