Recently retired Blitzbok Branco du Preez will give back to the community by taking up an ambassadorship with the Forward Foundation, which is based in Raithby.
The foundation focuses on a range of skills and physical education from a holistic development perspective, aimed directed at previously disadvantaged communities to provide equal opportunities for all ages from pre-primary through to high school and beyond.
Founded by Le Roux Conradie, the organisation aims to provide opportunities for rugby players from all walks of life, in and around the Helderberg, Stellenbosch and greater Western Cape, with its vision to grow beyond these borders.
“Each of the players across all teams that play for the Forward Foundation contributes on a great level to the success of each event, competition and tournament we participate in,” said Conradie, who is also the foundation’s managing director.
“The Forward Foundation is built on helping others through sustainable efforts that allow us to make a difference at a grassroots level. Many of these would not be possible without our partnerships and relationships the Forward Foundation has with corporations.”
Du Preez, who recently announced his retirement from professional rugby, is one of a few ambassadors for the Forward Foundation having aligned himself with the organisation that embodies sport development on and off the field.
Other ambassadors include former Miss South Africa finalist Bianca Bezuidenhout and hit South African husband-and-wife band, Bottomless Coffee.
“I am proud to be associated with such a great group of people,” Du Preez said. “The work that Le Roux, the guys and girls at the Forward Foundation do is something I enjoy being involved with, as it resonates with me. I come from a similar background as most of the youths who play for the Forward Foundation. Having the opportunities that the foundation creates will help build their confidence to pursue a career in sports.”
Hailing from George, Du Preez is the most capped Springbok Sevens player, having represented South Africa 431 times and scoring 1 441 points during his 12-year career.
While his size may have a few pondering, he has left an indelible mark on the international sevens rugby circuit since making his debut in Wellington, New Zealand in 2010.
Recent tournament successes have seen the Score Forward Legends, a team that represents the Forward Foundation, claim the 2022 Six Gun Grill Hot Summer of Touch Pro Series title.
The former Blitzbok also supported the team at the play.co.za Winelands 10s at Welbedacht in Wellington in November, a tournament which also saw them lift the trophy at the end.
Along with the two title-winning success, the Score Forward Legends participated in the George 10s and narrowly lost out in the pro semi-final.
“We are so incredibly proud of all our players, coaches and management for all their hard work in making this a very successful year,” Conradie pointed out.
“We use sport as a vehicle and platform to not only create opportunities but to create a safe environment where the youth, through various initiatives, can learn from each other, grow together, and be supported to reach their full potential. This remains our core focus and value-driven proposition, to drive South Africa forward faster, together.”
