Linmeyer’s Dayne Smith steps into the ring for TeachBeyond SA
His upcoming match promises to make a difference as he fights for a cause close to his heart.
Dayne Smith from Linmeyer is once again stepping up to make a difference.
Last year, he ran 10km a day for 100 days to raise funds for under-resourced schools and teachers. This year, he is taking on an entirely new challenge which is stepping into the boxing ring for a cause.
On April 12, he will compete in the Fight Night 1 tournament led by Johnny Koen.
Training hard for the big night
Smith works for the NPO TeachBeyond South Africa. He is part of a global team but runs the South African office.
The organisation sends missionary teachers from Africa to other parts of the world and welcomes international teachers into African schools.
These dedicated teachers make an impact, bringing quality education and the love of Christ to learners around the world.
Smith’s preparation for the tournament has been intense. “My preparation leading up to the big night has been good, despite my body being sore,” said Smith.
“It is a lot of hard work.”
For Smith, boxing is a much more disciplined sport than running.
“I think running 10km per day for 100 days was easier because I knew what to expect. Boxing takes more discipline – you need to train as hard as you can for as long as you can, and do your best.”
As part of his training, Smith runs at least three times a week for 3km to 4km and trains at Southern Suburbs Boxing Gym from Monday to Thursday.
Fridays are dedicated to a 10km walk for easier training, and Saturday mornings are for another gym session. On Tuesdays and Thursdays, Smith focuses on sparring to build his stamina for the two- to three-minute rounds in the ring.
Giving back
Smith’s connection to Southern Suburbs Boxing Gym is special, and it goes beyond fitness.
“I love this gym because they only train boxers but help underprivileged children through their Fight with Insight programme,” explained Smith. “The programme helps children from broken homes overcome emotions like anger, which is helpful for their personal growth.”
With his goal to raise R50 000 for TeachBeyond South Africa through the Fight Night event, Smith is not only supporting a good cause but also giving back to the community.
A portion of the funds raised will also go to the boxing gym to continue its outreach programmes.
A strong support system
Smith’s preparation for this fight would not be possible without the support of his team. “You need to have a good team around you to encourage and support you,” he said.
He credits his coach, Anton Gilmore, Gully Dickinson and Jasen van der Merwe for their support.
“I am grateful to my opponent Patrick Gates for being a part of this event. It’s kind of him, and I think we will have a great fight,” Smith added.
His commitment to his cause is rooted in his desire to do ‘big things for God’, highlighting the inspiration behind his previous challenges.
“Last year, I was encouraged to do 10km, and this year, I wanted to do something even bigger. When Patrick suggested that I fight for the Lord this year, I knew it was the right thing to do.”
More than just a fight
For Smith, it’s not the actual fight – it is more about the preparation, the people you meet, the people you inspire, getting up when you do not want to and running when you do not want to.
“The preparation has been good, and I’m excited about the event,” he said.
One coach said to Smith when he expressed his nerves, “We all have been through hardships in life, and you have probably been through something harder than the fight. But it is your heart behind it that counts.”
Smith further added: “The fight is the breaking of the wave at the end of the event, but the preparation toward it is what counts.”
Support the mission
As Smith steps into the ring, he encourages the community to support this incredible cause.
To donate visit TeachBeyond South Africa Fundraiser or purchase your ticket at Quicket.
