Zandri Swanepoel, a recent finalist in the Miss SA School Ambassador 2015 competition, has made a difference in the lives of a number of young rugby players.
The Grade Seven pupil at Leeuwenhof Akademie and a Sunward Park, Boksburg, resident, recently handed over rugby equipment and funds to staff and pupils at Laerskool Die President.
Zandri and her school principal, Wium Uys, visited the school after Zandri raised money to purchase the rugby equipment with her Rugby with a Purpose campaign.
Laerskool Die President was identified by Zandri and her principal due to the challenging socio-economic climate impacting severely on the school.
Sybrand van Dyk, the proud principal of the school, welcomed the generous donation from Zandri.
In an emotional handover ceremony, recently, he expressed his deep gratitude to Zandri for her courageous and exemplary effort to make a difference.
He added that a school such as Laerskool Die President strives to create and develop an environment where the pupils may enjoy increased possibilities to engage in academic, as well as sports activities.
Two pupils from Laerskool Die President who participated in the event were Carel Marais and Ri-Han Gildenhuys.
They have been playing for the school’s first rugby team for the past two years and, during 2014, Carel was chosen as a member of the u-12 East Rand rugby team.
He also formed part of the Red Squat u-12 team in 2014.
Ri-Han was a member of the u-13 Golden Lions Primary School Rugby team, where he scored three tries.
He also later played for the u-13 sevens team.
Zandri expressed her gratitude to the Miss SA Schools Campaign, which provided a platform and opportunity for her to become deeply aware of the need and responsibility to utilise your existing and extended network to make a difference.
In just over 30 days, Zandri raised funds and equipment to a total value of R15 000 with Rugby with a Purpose.
Although Zandri was not the overall winner of the Miss SA School Ambassador 2015 competition, who was announced at a glittering event at the Carousel Casino, last Saturday, she did walk away as the overall winner in the category Best Interview.
The youngster is looking forward to future social upliftment projects to help the less privileged youth of South Africa.
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