THE CEO of the South African Rugby Legends Association (SARLA), Stefan Terblanche, has joined local adventure athletes, Bruce Hughes and Mike Morris, as they collectively row 1460km, non-stop, in the Ingane Yami Mandela Challenge.
The target for the challenge is R450 000, and Stefan, Bruce and Mike have been at it non-stop since 9am on Wednesday morning. In the first 24 hours alone, they covered more than 260km and it put them slightly ahead of the 250km needed to cover the total distance by Sunday, 10 November.
All proceeds generated by this epic rowing journey will be donated to Ingane Yami Children’s Village in the Shongweni Valley. The funds will be used to build an additional home for six children in the village.
Ingane Yami provides a permanent, loving home for orphaned and vulnerable children from the surrounding area. The Village is made up of individual homes that are overseen by foster mothers, each of whom have six children under their roof. The homes are also supported by a village pastor, qualified teachers and a dedicated, on-site support team.
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Bruce and Mike are rowing on a rotational basis in one-hour shifts, while Stefan takes over as the impact rower during the tough late night and early morning hours. This reprieve allows Bruce and Mike to sleep for six hours. SPAR is sponsoring food for the duration of the challenge to keep them going.
Bruce and Mike are also no strangers to physical challenges as they competed in a six-stage ultra-marathon and completed the Elements Everest trail race – also in aid of Ingane Yami.
“It’s a tough challenge and it will definitely push all of us beyond our physical limits, but there are six lives that will be changed for the better when we finish. That’s what keeps us going. We hope we can inspire others to make an effort for children who need help. I challenge South Africans to make a difference, any way they can, no matter how big or small,” said Stefan.
Concept2 has provided the rowing machine and tracking equipment to keep tabs on the challengers’ distance from beginning to end.
The Ingane Yami Mandela Challenge is happening right now at Ingane Yami Children’s Village. To see the rowers in action, or to make a donation, contact Patricia Deacon on 078 342 0539 or email tricia@inganeyami.com.
To keep track of the rowers’ progress in real time, click here: Hybrid View.
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