PICS: SA’s sport stars do their bit for #MandelaDay

Published Jul 18, 2017

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CAPE TOWN – From packing food parcels to handing out blankets, sports stars from across the South African sporting spectrum did their bit for #MandelaDay on Tuesday.

Those are getting ready for the upcoming season took to social media to express their best wishes and thanks to the late President Nelson Mandela on what would’ve been his 99th birthday.

Olympic champion and 400m world record holder Wayde van Niekerk, who is at his European training base in Gemona, Italy, said on Twitter: “Missing home on this #mandeladay as I prepare to represent our country. So proud to be S’African. One nation,one love! #LiveMadibasLegacy”.

"I've discovered the secret that after climbing a great hill one only finds there are many more to climb" We can all learn from Madiba! pic.twitter.com/L2jr8WIb9N

— Wayde van Niekerk (@WaydeDreamer) July 18, 2017

He later quoted Madiba: “I’ve discovered the secret that after climbing a great hill one only finds there are many more to climb’ We can all learn from Madiba!”

Van Niekerk will next be in action at the Herculis meeting in Monaco on Friday.

Former Bafana star and new Cape Town City coach Benni McCarthy tweeted a photo of him hugging Madiba, with the words: “Thank you Tata for inspiring me to be better & do better! Today I salute you lets make every day a #MandelaDay @NelsonMandela @MandelaDay”

Thank you Tata for inspiring me to be better & do better! Today I salute you ✊🏽lets make every day a #MandelaDay @NelsonMandela @MandelaDay pic.twitter.com/YJy7cOGpBd

— Benni McCarthy (@bennimccarthy17) July 18, 2017

The #67MinutesForMandela initiative is all about helping those in need, and Cape Town City teamed up with the Fives Futbol company and Totalsports with the Plant A Ball project, and spent time playing soccer with youngsters.

Spent our 67 minutes with the future of South Africa#mandela day @CapeTownCityFC @CTCFCcitizens @ctcfc_ultras💙 pic.twitter.com/1jsUYpayxc

— Lebogang manyama (@Lebza08Manyama) July 18, 2017

Kaizer Chiefs spent time with their sponsors Vodacom by packing food parcels at Vodaworld in Midrand, along with the Blue Bulls rugby team, who are also sponsored by the cellular network.

Siya Kolisi and the rest of the Stormers side took time out ahead of their Super Rugby quarter-final against the Chiefs on Saturday by raising awareness of water conservation at Watsonia Park in Kraaifontein.

The Cape Cobras cricket team handed out blankets, clothing and non-perishables for various shelters, and then helped to complete a tinned food mosaic at Canal Walk.

Kaizer Chiefs & @BlueBullsRugby after packing food for the @Vodacom #67minutes initiative @ Vodacom World #ActionAgainstPoverty #MandelaDay pic.twitter.com/hBMYKYMdHS

— Kaizer Chiefs (@KaizerChiefs) July 18, 2017

“We want to use our energy and resources to lift the burdens of others. We aim to give back to Western Cape communities who have supported us unconditionally through trophy-winning as well as lean periods,” said Cobras coach Ashwell Prince on the team website.

The #DHLStormers spread the message of water conservation in Watsonia Park in Kraaifontein for Mandela Day. #iamastormer #WeStandTogether pic.twitter.com/X1SRv6vUDg

— DHL STORMERS (@THESTORMERS) July 18, 2017

The Proteas Women also played their part, nearly pulling off a sensational victory over England in their World Cup semi-final in Bristol.

Having scored 218/6 in their 50 overs, the South Africans reduced the hosts to 145/5, but lost by four wickets in the final over despite a valiant effort.

Mandela was an avid boxer in his day, and could always be relied on for a bit of “Madiba Magic” to inspire South African sports teams.

And we're done! Thanks @Heart1049FM for letting us team up with you for the #MandelaMosaic on #MandelaDay pic.twitter.com/nBWRAu5J1j

— COBRAS CRICKET (@CobrasCricket) July 18, 2017

This is what sport meant to Madiba: “Sport has the power to change the world. It has the power to unite people in a way that little else does. Sport can awaken hope where previously there was only despair.”

@ashfakmohamed

IOL Sport

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