WATCH: Stronger Together #BokkeBlanket unveiled
The Stronger Together #BokkeBlanket was unveiled by Carolyn Steyn, founder of 67 Blankets for Nelson Mandela Day, on June 9 at Steyn City School.
The world’s largest Springbok blanket was revealed and covered the entire rugby field with the image of our iconic ‘Bok’ and South African flag. The blanket was perfectly visible from the sky in a helicopter.
Present at the event were John Smit, captain of the winning World Cup Springbok team in 2007, and Tendai Mtawarira, member of the 2019 World Cup Springbok team, to capture the Webb Ellis trophy, show their colours and conduct a short rugby clinic for some of the young rugby players at the school.
Former president of South Africa Thabo Mbeki and Gen Bantu Holomisa were also present at the event and underlined the need to help all South Africans during the winter months who need warm clothes or food and shelter.
There is also a possibility that the Stronger Together #BokkeBlanket will be entered for the Guinness World Records.
“We are indeed stronger together and it has been so inspiring to see how our wonderful 67 Blankets family has kept hope alive during these difficult times. When our boys in green and gold led us to victory in Japan, they inspired a nation to believe anything is possible, and I believe this blanket will remind us of that and encourage us all to be stronger together,” said Steyn.
The #BokkeBlanket project is supported by the Nelson Mandela Foundation, the South African Rugby Union, SA Rugby Legends Association, Auto and General and key corporate stakeholders. Once again, Stuttaford Van Lines is on board as the official logistics partner, travelling the length and breadth of the country to collect and deliver the precious blanket cargo.
A total of 2 754 blankets were knitted in the shape of the Springbok emblem. These individual blankets will go to the needy and be distributed by the 67 Blankets for Mandela Day during the winter months.
