A NEWLY upgraded facility for the South African Riding for the Disabled Association (SARDA) was officially opened at the South African Jockey Academy (SAJA) in Summerveld on Tuesday, August 19. The upgrade was made possible by the Hollywood Foundation in partnership with Race Coast.

The project, part of a four-year legacy of the Hollywood Foundation, represents more than just an infrastructure upgrade; it is a gateway to dignity, independence, and joy for children living with physical and intellectual disabilities.

SARDA is a volunteer-run NPO in the Upper Highway which offers equine-assisted therapy where specially trained horses help children improve mobility, build confidence, and strengthen emotional resilience.

In 2024, the organisation relocated to SAJA, gaining access to world-class equestrian facilities. However, gaps in accessibility limited the participation of some children.

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Recognising this need, the Hollywood Foundation initiated a project to enhance accessibility, resulting in the installation of wheelchair-friendly ramps, levelled and paved pathways to the riding arena, lowered wash basins, and fully refurbished ablution facilities.

These changes ensure that every child can safely and comfortably access life-changing therapy sessions.

Speaking at the handover, Devin Heffer, Hollywoodbets brand and communications manager, said: “For children who face daily barriers, these changes mean something profound, the ability to arrive at a therapy session without the fear of uneven ground, inaccessible toilets, or unsafe surfaces.

“It’s about removing obstacles so that each child can focus on healing and growth. When we talk about community upliftment, we mean creating spaces where everyone, regardless of ability, can participate fully and without compromise.”

The project also adds to the Foundation’s broader investment into SAJA, which has benefited from R1.7m in infrastructure upgrades to improve living and learning conditions for apprentice jockeys, many of whom are bursary recipients of the Future Is Bright bursary programme.

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Stephen Marshall, events and marketing executive at Race Coast, added: “Accessibility is not a luxury, it is a right. With every ramp built and pathway laid, this project ensures that right is realised. Through partnerships like this, we are breaking down barriers and building communities that welcome all.”

Chairperson of SARDA Durban, Libby Durke, expressed her gratitude: “The sponsorship from the Hollywood Foundation means so much to the organisation. Since our recent move to the SA Jockey Academy in Summerveld, it has been essential for us to provide accessible facilities for children with different abilities.

“Thanks to Hollywood Foundation’s generous support, two toilets have been renovated, and a wheelchair-accessible path has been installed down to the arena where our therapeutic horse-riding lessons take place. This support truly means the world to our organisation and helps us continue prioritising the needs of these special children,” said a grateful Durke.

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