A 32-year-old fitness fanatic who completed her own Ironman event in June has set her sights on yet another self-organised event – this time to raise funds for a full scholarship for an underprivileged child at Stellenbosch Waldorf School.
Carla Annas, a Stellenbosch local who works as chief stewardess on a yacht overseas, is eager to make her next event more meaningful on the back of her satisfying Ironman-like debut participation.
“The experience inspired me to found Community in Action (CIA), a movement to support education in South Africa through sport. I want my races to have a purpose and a meaningful impact.”
Her goal is to raise R500 000 by race day – set for a route in Pringle Bay on Sunday 27 November.
Annas is a former learner of Stellenbosch Waldorf School, which she said laid the basis for her own climb to success. Now that she has time she wishes to give back to the community. “During my studies I volunteered at Girls & Football SA,” she explained. “I want to be part of something bigger again. Education is key to our future, and it’s time we focused on primary schoolchildren.”
Through CIA she hopes to raise funds to drive education in the community.
Carla’s sister Fran Denton, who serves on the board of directors at the Waldorf School where she was also an alumni, said that the beneficiary has yet to be identified.
“The two main selection criteria are that the child must be from a low or very low income household, and be from the greater community around the Stellenbosch Waldorf School,” Denton explained.
“The aim of this initiative is to provide a child who could never have dreamed of attending the Stellenbosch Waldorf School, an opportunity to do so.”
She urged the community to rally their support around this worthy campaign.
“This initiative is to support one of the most fundamental building blocks of South Africa – education of the youth. If we are able to ensure all children have access to quality education, like that offered at Stellenbosch Waldorf School, we can help move South Africa forward, one kilometre at a time,” Denton implored.
“Waldorf education not only provides an academic education, but develops the child holistically throughout their schooling journey.”
Annas still hopes to compete in an official Ironman event and tried to enter the Mossel Bay 70.3 event, but entries were filled when she was ready to enter. She took this as a sign to launch her own event again. Eiekstadnuus reported on Annas completing the Ironman-like event after conquering Covid-19 (“Iron woman creates own challenge”, 23 June).
“Pringle Bay proved a great base last time; it becomes a very community based event where my friends, family and Waldorf school learners can support me.”
She urged locals to support the cause by donating any amount. “Please consider donating, no matter how big or small, to support the education of an underprivileged child in SA.”
