The Warrior Ric inspires many
Warrior Ric started off his career by designing apparel leather bags (unisex bags) in partnership with a colleague from a business school.
The Warrior Ric is a sports motivational speaker, chief inspirer and brand ambassador of the obstacle course racing series, and a Jeep Warrior race in South Africa.
He was born and raised in California, USA, and currently resides in Atlasville, on the border of Benoni and Boksburg. He matriculated from Saint Mary’s High School in California in 1983, and went to Stanford University in 1987 for his studies where he graduated with a bachelor’s degree in international relations. He ventured into business after his graduation.
Warrior Ric started off his career by designing apparel leather bags (unisex bags) in partnership with a colleague from a business school. He went to fashion modelling for three years, becoming a model and actor, and featuring in television commercials and fashion magazines world over, including South Africa. In 1993, an Italian modelling agency urged him to pursue his modelling career in South Africa. In March 1994, he came to South Africa to pursue his dreams.
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Currently he is working with Reebok, with a focus on corporate social responsibility. He works with the youth, participating in youth development projects including youth leadership.
Learners have an opportunity to receive a R5 000 scholarship plus a R2 500 worth of Reebok merchandise just by being the best performers in their schoolwork and sports. They also need to send a short video clip explaining what leadership means to them.
He gets his name ,The Warrior Ric, for being a sports motivational speaker in events such as the Warrior Race, which is an obstacle course. He participated in 64 races in South Africa since February 2013 when the first Warrior Race was held in Thembisa’s Stoke City.
Despite his knee injury and ruptured tendon he sustained last year, he still wants to be part of the next race due to have taken place on March 14 at Emerald Casino, Vanderbijlpark, Gauteng.
The City Times sat down with Ric to share some of his experiences.
Q: What has been the greatest accomplishment of your life?
My personal greatest accomplishment was building a home right here at the border of Benoni and Boksburg, being a father, being a grandfather, being a husband. I always wanted to have a large family, I always wanted to have a home, so building a place with my wife that I can be proud of has been the greatest accomplishment of my life.
Q: What can you tell people about a quantum leap?
A: My vision for a beautiful South Africa, where the people in rural areas get access to water, they get access to sufficient public transport, to save the people. As much as there are campaigns to save the Rhinos, I believe we should let the people come first in order to stop poaching. We still need to work with community members because they are the real problem behind poaching. Once all their needs are met, we will be able to reduce the problem.
Q: What can you tell people about the Obstacle race?
A: The best way to experience an obstacle course is trail running with natural and man-made obstacles. I am looking forward to bringing and installing obstacle in schools, and it being an Olympic sport. We are doing things now that will help to bring these things to life. The problem is that obstacle courses have, and still are, for the elite, such as skydivers and people who have money. Eighty five per cent of Africa cannot afford an obstacle course. I would like it to be all around Africa and to be considered as one of the best sports because I believe that if people were exposed more to it, they can become great at it.
