GALLERY: Dale Steyn at Franklin D Roosevelt Primary School

Proteas fast bowler, Dale Steyn, paid a visit to the ecstatic kids of Franklin D Roosevelt Primary School on 10 September. Steyn was visiting as a reward for an Omo Goal Setting initiative requiring pupils to collect Omo bottle caps. The school was able to collect 376 bottle caps.

Steyn, along with school principal Hilton Westlake and Ryan George from the Omo brand team, addressed the children about setting goals. Steyn presented a signed jersey, signed some Franklin D Roosevelt School shirts and presented the school with a cheque for R10 000. He then went on to coach the young cricketers and participated in a match while the rest of the school watched on.

“When I was kid, I used to play cricket, soccer, go fishing and go skate boarding. What I want you guys to do is go out and do everything and have fun achieving your goals.”

The competition formed part of the Omo Are You Ready For Life campaign. “The project is about setting and achieving goals,” explained George, “It’s about unleashing human potential.”

Steyn is ranked the number one test bowler and number five one day international bowler in the world, according to International Cricket Council (ICC) player rankings. He welcomed the chance to talk to the children, mentioning that training young players always made him nostalgic, “Cricket is a bit of a job now. If I bowl badly or get a duck, I might not play the next game. In the past, I didn’t have to deal with those pressures.”

Principal Westlake was extremely pleased with the day’s proceedings. “It’s very exciting and all about the kids. We’re very proud of the children for collecting that many bottle caps in such a short space of time. It shows entrepreneurship.”

Steyn was the star of the day and was bombarded with fans asking for photos and signatures. “I really enjoy working with the kids.” said Steyn, “Developing young talent is important.”