Funds raised in the #Train4Fees campaign will help assist student-athletes and players who have lost financial support as a result of Covid-19. PHOTO: Stellenbosch University website.
Since the beginning of June, Stellenbosch University’s (SU) Development and Alumni Relations (DAR) Division, in collaboration with Maties Sport, have raised over R700 000 to assist student-athletes struggling to pay tuition fees, due to Covid-19.
This is part of the DAR and Maties Sport’s #Train4Fees campaign.
The fundraiser kicked off at the beginning of June and was extended until the end of August, said Hans Scriba, fundraising manager for Maties Sport at the DAR.
According to Scriba, the target is to raise R2 million and all funds raised would go towards assisting 75 student-athletes and players with outstanding fees.
According to Scriba, the Covid-19 pandemic has had a massive economic impact on many people, including many of the current Maties student-athletes.
“We also identified the potential of Maties coaches, players, alumni and supporters to do something about this urgent need,” said Scriba.
The public is asked to show their support by either contributing towards the GivenGain donating platform or participating in the campaign by running, walking, cycling, or whichever fitness training they prefer, stated Scriba.
Supporters could also choose to sign up to become a fundraiser and raise funds for every kilometre they complete, said Scriba.
According to Scriba, the campaign has received a very positive response. So far there have been a total of 102 people who have registered for the campaign. This includes coaches, players, Maties alumni, donors, and supporters.
“Thousands of kilometers have been run, walked or cycled. While more than 330 donations have been made so far,” said Scriba.
Maties lending a helping hand
Buks van Rooyen, SU alumni and volunteer fundraiser, has committed to cycling 400km in order to raise funds on behalf of the campaign.
According to Van Rooyen, he wanted to assist the students in need, because he acknowledges that Covid-19 presents a very challenging time for all and wanted to give back where he could.
Stephanie Botha, education student and Maties High Performance (HP) women’s hockey player, is also taking part in the campaign.
Botha, along with other members of the HP women’s hockey team are sponsored to participate in the campaign with each member having to run 5km.
The campaign is important as it would benefit student-athletes who are in need of financial assistance, stated Botha.
“It is important to take part in the initiative and to show support to other student-athletes who have lost funding as a result of the pandemic. Everyone deserves to finish the academic year and it only feels right to help a fellow Matie,” said Botha.