Eagles break record and do it for CHOC
Locals took on the challenge to play against 30 different teams in an effort to raise much needed funds for the Childhood Cancer Foundation of South Africa.
ELEVEN ordinary but brave locals took on the challenge to play against 30 different teams in an effort to raise much needed funds for the Childhood Cancer Foundation of South Africa (CHOC) and break the current Guinness World Record for the most hours of non-stop cricket played by one team at Durban's Action Sports Centre over the weekend.
With the first round of matches starting at 8am on Saturday morning, the East Coast Eagles team played non-stop through the day and night until 8pm on Sunday evening to reach their target of 36 hours of non-stop action cricket.
Bivash Singh, flew down from Johannesburg just to participate in the Challenge. “I played league cricket a while back and couldn't resist the offer to participate while raising funds for CHOC. It has been extremely fun so far, we've done nearly 30 hours and we're feeling it a bit now, but our team spirit is amazing. We keep going and everyone is motivating each other. We weren't really keeping track of time so that has been easier, not clock watching,” Singh said.
After reaching the 36 hour mark, Captain of East Coast Eagles and Challenge coordinator, Nick Ferreira, said, “It has been a really tough 36 hours but every ball and every run has been worth all the pain because we did it together. The amount of support we have received in the build up and during the challenge itself has been overwhelming. Not only have we achieved a pretty extraordinary feat but we have also managed to surpass our fundraising target for CHOC of over R50 000 – and that’s what this event has really been all about. We are so grateful to all the sponsors, and teams who donated towards this worthy cause, it felt like we had the whole of Durban behind us. I am also incredibly proud and thankful to every member of my team and their families. They have really blown me away with their dedication and commitment to achieving the last 36hours – three of our team members who flew in from Poland, Korea and the UK to help us achieve this epic milestone.”
Individuals and companies from all over KZN supported the Challenge with substantial donations and sponsorships by the likes of Simamisa Farming, QuikSilver, CrossFit Reid, Sunfoil Dolphins, PRomote Communication and Action Sports Centre who all chipped in to help the team realise their goals.
“I am incredibly proud and grateful to the East Coast Eagles for all the hours and every ounce of effort they have put in to make this event a reality. The awareness created around our organisation and the funds they have raised is truly extraordinary and will assist us to help so many mothers that are unable to receive medical assistance for their children who have been diagnosed with Cancer. We cannot thank them enough as well as everyone who formed part of this challenge,” concluded CHOC's Durban regional manager, Agie Govender.
