23 Underprivileged Boys To Raise Funds For Others

A group of 23 underprivileged boys from Kersiedorp, Eldorado Park, have pledged to raise money for children fighting life-threatening conditions, setting aside their own impoverished conditions to run in the Gift of the Giver Marathon to raise funds for the Reach for a Dream Foundation. The boys are part  of Growing Champions, a project that  works on growing leadership and character development in young men whose communities face gang violence and drug infestation through life skills development and soccer training.

Growing Champions personal development coach, Samantha Toweel-Moore, posed a challenge to impoverished children of Kersiedorp.  She asked them if they would  use their gift of health to help those who lack this gift have their dreams come true.  Twenty three courageous boys rose to the challenge.

“These boys are not sitting back waiting for others to help them, they are getting out there and helping themselves. They are a brotherhood whose fighting spirit has led to some of their own dreams coming true, on the football field. Now they are giving back. They know they can make a difference by taking action. They have pledged to train to run a 10km road race to raise funds for Reach for a Dream. The race is aptly called, The Gift of the Giver Township Marathon. It takes place in Eldorado Park on the 24th of February 2013.

“They want to fund ‘dreams come true’ for children who share their passion for football but are fighting life threatening conditions. Their hard work, dedication, compassion and teamwork are testament to their spirit of champions, says Toweel-Moore.

Coach Toweel-Moore says,  “I am so moved by the courage of these young men, South Africa’s future leaders, as their coach I will run the 42.2km race to stretch myself too. Life throws many curve balls but when you learn to accept the challenge rather than run from it, you find your greatness.”

Samantha’s father, Boxing Great, Willie Toweel, is her inspiration. “When my father was inducted into the Sports Hall of Fame, he was asked what his greatest sporting moment was. He said, “The moment I got a voice and could reach out to help others reach their full potential.”

“These boys will come to unleash the champion within. As they give, they will receive hard earned self-respect. They will also receive the ability to conceive what it is to play a full professional  game of football which requires you to run 10kms in 90 minutes. They will receive the knowledge that they are not victims, but leaders. They can influence their world.

“This is a life changing moment. The gift of giving cannot be taught, only experienced. Their courage, dedication and champion spirit will lead to a moment of self-empowerment. A tool which will raise their lives to a new level, ” says Coach Toweel – Moore

Reach for a Dream has agreed that the Growing Champion runners can witness the dream their efforts fund. They will be present on the day the dream comes true.

Coach Toweel- Moore continues, “As they see their hard work turn into the joy that floods the eyes of these children, I have no doubt that they will continue to work harder, reach higher and realise boundaries are only set by fear. When you believe in yourself and you work hard to grow your talent, your vision, mind and character – there are no boundaries. Only doubts to be
conquered.”