Hollywood Foundation Message of Support
It is an honour for the Hollywood Foundation to be returning for a third year as the title sponsor of the Hollywood Foundation Iqhawe Week. What makes it even more special is that we get to be involved as the Iqhawe Week celebrates its tenth year of existence. Ten years of giving youngsters hope and opportunity, so that one day, they can fulfil their dreams of playing this game at the highest level and on the grandest stage. However, we know that rugby, and this tournament, provide so much more beyond that.
This tournament gives youngsters an opportunity to get recognised. An opportunity to be scouted into a traditional rugby school. An opportunity to advance their skills with top-class facilities and equipment. But most importantly, an opportunity to get a better education, empower themselves, and make a better future for their families and communities.
Over the past two years, we have seen 40 players receive these scholarships and follow this path. We look forward to even more after this year’s edition. Grassroots development and supporting our communities lie at the heart of our initiatives involving sport at the Hollywood Foundation. In addition to our sponsorship of the Iqhawe Week, the past year has seen the Foundation support 196 developing sports teams from around the country by donating sporting kits and equipment across various sporting codes, including football, cricket, rugby, and netball.
The Hollywood Foundation’s focus on education and schools has seen our Back To School campaign contribute towards 303 schools across the country, benefitting 67,275 learners. These contributions include school uniforms, school shoes, stationery, and more. We also awarded 234 bursaries to tertiary students across the country to support their studies, including six bursaries to students at The Sharks Rugby Academy in Durban. Our Minister of Sport, Arts and Culture, Gayton Mackenzie, recently introduced the slogan for his sport campaign: ‘A kid in sport is a kid out of court.’ We believe that sport has the power to positively influence our youth and provide them with a path to a better future.
Lastly, we thank Cell C, the South African Rugby Legends, and the South African Rugby Union (SARU) for their unwavering commitment to the game of rugby. They not only honour the rugby heroes of our past but also play a vital role in developing the heroes of the future. The word “Iqhawe” means hero in isiXhosa, and we firmly believe that many future heroes will emerge from this week, paving a positive path for years to come. We wish all the young sportsmen and sports ladies the best for the week ahead, and we encourage you to enjoy and savour every moment.
Devin He er Brand and Communications Manager Hollywood Group
