PAARL – Proteas, Springboks, Bafana Bafana stars and celebrity musicians all came out in their droves to support the JP21 Super Eights Charity Event on Sunday at the luxurious Val de Vie Estate.
The “Who’s Who” of South African sport such as former Bok captain Jean de Villiers, current Stormers skipper Siya Kolisi, Cape Town City goalkeeper Shu-aib Walters and Proteas Faf du Plessis, Vernon Philander, Morné Morkel and many others were all there, along with singers Chad Saaiman and comedian Siv Ngesi to entertain the large numbers that came out for a fun-filled day.
The inaugural competition winners were JP Duminy’s team, with the host skipper smashing the winning runs. But the day was much about much more than that.
All the funds raised on the day go towards sustaining the JP21 Project, which is in its fourth year.
The Project continues to do sterling work in the Mitchells Plain and Strandfontein areas, where it has revived the spirit of cricket in the area through the provision of a programme for children to be active and healthy.
Earlier on when #TeamIOL @IOLsport just finished fielding! #jp21supereights pic.twitter.com/c0IgnswjtF
— JP21 Project (@JP21Project) December 17, 2017
“It was an honour and privilege to be part of such a great day and initiative. I wish JP and his team all the best for the future. It can only go from strength-to-strength when you have a turnout like this.
“The JP21 Project is really doing great work, and the children are really privileged to have a great guy like JP doing such wonderful things for them,” former Bafana keeper Walters said.
Well done to the winners of the #jp21supereights the fierce #TeamHLTH! @valdevieestate @vividluxury pic.twitter.com/L6v7xzct6C
— JP21 Project (@JP21Project) December 17, 2017
Proteas fast bowler Morkel was equally elated with the event, but hoped his team could do a bit better next season.
“An awesome day out here at Val de Vie with JP21,” Morkel said. “Unfortunately we came stone last! So, I need to look hard at my team selection for next year and come back and take the trophy back to Pretoria!”
Springbok flank Kolisi also showcased his cricket skills, and was particularly good with his running between the wickets – where he even dived to make his ground on a few occasions even though he was wearing a cast on his arm.
The families are filling up the picnic zone! #jp21supereights pic.twitter.com/72dWiv47L9
— JP21 Project (@JP21Project) December 17, 2017
“I was just so happy to be a part of this day. An unbelievable event. I just wanted to contribute because I want to get invited back next year!
“What JP is doing amazing and I just want to be involved. So, they can’t drop me now. I want to come back next year!”
@ZaahierAdams