Setting the benchmark in the Pan
In terms of overall feelings on how they had done, Schalk Brits said in typical rugby fashion where they are always taught to push boundaries, he feels they came out too strong on day one, doing an incredible 70km.
Three of South Africa’s top rugby heroes, John Smit, Schalk Brits and Hanyani Shimange, returned to Johannesburg recently with team leader Erik Vermeulen and team manager Butch James having successfully completed the 200km BrightRock fund-raising Battle of the Sports challenge.
The team had to endure scorching temperatures in the arid saltpan landscape, bleeding feet, punctured tyres and physical exhaustion as they circumnavigated the famous Verneukpan in the dry Northern Cape, fighting the clock at every step to set a critical benchmark for each of the three teams to follow.
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Commenting on the experience, Erik Vermeulen said he is completely blown away by the way the players jelled so quickly and the close camaraderie that developed between the three.
“They really were an amazingly strong and efficient team and it was incredible to see how they translated the lessons and disciplines they practice on the field into this new environment.”
Smit echoes this sentiment saying in spite of the tough challenge there was never a question of giving up and each team member had each other’s back.
“When things got really tough the banter would start to keep us distracted and motivated. Shimmy was a constant source of amusement. Another saving grace were our four playlists. Each of the guys had put one together and the music really helped us through the dark times. Our biggest challenge was when our speaker batteries ran flat,” said Smit.
In terms of overall feelings on how they had done, Schalk Brits said in typical rugby fashion where they are always taught to push boundaries, he feels they came out too strong on day one doing an incredible 70km.
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“We quickly realised how important it was to conserve our energy levels in the heat so we regrouped quickly and definitely learned a lot from the challenge.”
Arriving home, the spirit among the team remained high.
“We are so proud of what we have achieved and how the team remained firm in their commitment to support one another and finish strong for such a good cause. There was never a question of us not finishing. This has been such a great team experience and definitely like nothing we have ever experienced before,” concluded Smit.
All funds raised for the BrightRock Battle of the Sports will be used to effect positive change by helping raise money for Covid-19 relief efforts in South Africa.
“We are appealing to all sport-loving South Africans to support their heroes by taking part in their own 200km challenge over the next four weeks and donating to Events to Aid to assist all patients and health-care workers in critical care facilities throughout South Africa in need of PPE, oxygen and vaccines,” said Events to Aid CEO Clive Grinaker.
Anyone wanting to show support can visit the Battle of the Sports website and register for the 200km challenge.
