Western Cape Legends, an organisation that was formed earlier this year, is hosting various fund-raising events to support legends in sport.
Chairperson Shaheed Adonis, said he and the founding members identified the need to support the legends as many of them were struggling.
“Our definition of a legend is anyone who played a role in improving society. Our organisation is not code specific, hence we look after legends of all races, colour, and religion – whether they were involved with sport, arts, culture or academics.
“Our primary focus is to give the legends purpose in life again by training them to be active in society. For example, soccer legends will be sent on coaching clinics, in order for them to obtain certification, after which they will be sent into schools to coach. This will give them back self esteem, pride and enable them to put food on the table.
“We are also starting a burial fund so that our legends can be buried with dignity. We attended a few funerals where the families did not have enough resources to bury some legends. Upon further investigation, we discovered that many of our legends were unable to fend for themselves and were living in dire need. We are also starting a clinic run by retired medical professionals, to look after the well being of our legends,” Mr Adonis said.
He explained that the organisation supported other organisations but did not work with individuals.
Said Mr Adonis: “An organisation will approach us to help their members who are in need and we will raise funds for their needs. We also want to honour and give the legends the recognition they deserve while they are alive, and not when they have passed on.”
Its upcoming fundraising event is in the form of a cabaret show, on Sunday July 30, at The Address in the Kismet Plaza in Klipfontein Road, Athlone, from 3.30pm to 7pm.
Tickets are R100 each. Artists that will be performing include Joe Schaffers, Sammy Hartman, Soi Soi, Gary Kriel, Willie van Zyl, Lloyd Kerchoff and Roy Daniels.
Western Cape Legends will also host a women’s soccer tournament in August.
For tickets to the cabaret show or more information, you can contact Mr Adonis at 083 786 3046, Clive Daries at 082 223 9399, Warren Hermanus at 084 074 9954, or purchase tickets at the door.