Tekkies and Toks project returns to help local youngsters

Solidariteit Helpende Hand continues to work to help children realise their dreams through sports.

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The organisation notes the importance of sports for children at various levels of development.

Germiston’s Dauw Steyn, a former professional rugby player and ambassador of Solidariteit Helpende Hand, spearheaded the nationwide Tekkies and Toks project by inviting the community to be part of the initiative.

The project aims to donate sneakers and rugby boots to high school learners who cannot afford them.

Steyn believes that finances should never be a reason for children not to participate in sports.

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“Last year, when we started with the project, the idea was to collect rugby boots.

“We distributed boxes at various collection points, including schools, and to our surprise, we had donations of all sorts of shoes – hockey shoes, soccer boots, rugby boots and school shoes,” said Steyn.

“We appreciate the support,” said Steyn, adding that their aim this year is to collect more new boots to ensure quality play.

“We are going back to our roots, running with the original idea to ask donors to give support by providing new boots or by making monetary donations via our website.

This will allow us to give more children the opportunity to realise their dreams, and sometimes all a child needs is an opportunity.”

For the past few years, Steyn was involved in developing talent at a grassroots level.

“The smile on a child’s face when they put on new boots is priceless. The support from the start has been enormous, and we want to see development take place.

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“Unfortunately, if you do not have the right equipment, there is no place to start,” said Steyn.

He urged schools to be part of this project.

There is great talent in the city just waiting to be discovered.

“Parents, schools and learners need to be part of the project for it to succeed.”

“Morne Steyn remains one of the ambassadors, and Nicolaas Vlok Cilliers, a South African former rugby union player, is the brain behind this project,” said Steyn.

Email dauw.steyn.sa@gmail.com or visit www.tekkiesentoks.co.za