Jeugland learner needs help to compete at World Athletics U20 Championships

Hoërskool Jeugland learner Kenneth Phooko (16) is appealing for community support after earning the opportunity to represent South Africa at the World Athletics U20 Championships in the United States in August, but funding is a challenge.

His father, Sentle Phooko, said the family has been humbled by the outpouring of support they have received since sharing Kenneth’s story in the Kempton Express’s June edition.

“The response has honestly been overwhelming. We’ve received messages of encouragement from friends, family, members of the athletics community, people from Kenneth’s school and even complete strangers,”said Phooko.

“It’s been incredible to see how many people believe in his dream. The support has reminded us that this journey is no longer just ours; it has become something the whole community is part of.”

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Although Kenneth qualified for the prestigious championships through his performances on the track, the family was recently informed that Athletics South Africa (ASA) would only be able to cover accommodation for Team South Africa, while athletes would need to pay for their own flights and visa costs.

To help raise the required funds, the family first launched a BackaBuddy campaign, which initially attracted generous support from relatives, friends and members of the public. When donations began to slow, Kenneth’s mother came up with another fundraising initiative.

“My wife approached friends and family who own businesses and asked them to sponsor prizes for a raffle,” said Phooko.

“She managed to secure almost 20 prizes, and the response has been fantastic. People are buying tickets and sharing the campaign on social media, while Kenneth’s school and teachers have also shown tremendous support.”

The raffle, with tickets selling for R50 each, offers participants the chance to win more than 20 prizes, including shopping vouchers, beauty treatments, restaurant vouchers, furniture, hampers and website design services.

According to Phooko , they are still about R20 000 short of their fundraising target.

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“We’re making steady progress, and every donation and raffle ticket sold helps bring Kenneth closer to representing South Africa. We’re grateful for every contribution and remain hopeful that we’ll reach our goal in time,” said Phooko.

Funds raised will cover flights, visa costs and other travel-related expenses associated with competing at the World Athletics U20 Championships.

“It would mean everything to our family if the community helped Kenneth reach his goal,” he said. “We’ve made many sacrifices to support his athletics journey, and easing this financial burden would allow him to focus fully on preparing for the championships. It would also show him that dreams really can become reality when people come together.”

With flight prices continuing to increase and departure dates fast approaching, the family hopes to reach the fundraising target as soon as possible.

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Kenneth thanked everyone who has already contributed to his journey.

“Whether you’ve donated, bought a raffle ticket, shared my story, prayed for me or simply encouraged me, thank you. Every bit of support means more than people realise. I promise to give everything I have when I step onto the field and to represent South Africa with pride, humility and gratitude. I also hope my journey inspires other young athletes to keep believing in their dreams,” said Kenneth.

Members of the public who would like to support Kenneth can purchase raffle tickets by sending a WhatsApp message to 073 543 3435 or make a donation through the family’s BackaBuddy campaign: https://www.backabuddy.co.za/campaign/help-get-kenneth-to-usa.