John Smit visits rugby academy
The Bok legend said that while is an important part of one's life it is not one's entire life.
JOHN Smit, one of South African rugby’s most celebrated players, and CEO of the Sharks recently addressed up and coming rugby athletes at the Vikings Christian Academy’s 2014 award ceremony.
The Vikings were honoured to have the national icon as the keynote speaker for the event, where he infused the younger generation of rugby players with wisdom of the game, life advice, and stories from his distinguished career as captain of the Springboks and Sharks.
Smit spoke at length about the importance of priorities in his own life while he was an active player, travelling for over 200 days per year. “Rugby taught me everything I know, but balance is important. Rugby is an incredibly important part of our lives but it is not our entire life,” Smit said.
He went on to encourage the students to adhere to the principals of discipline, good work ethic, humility and honesty, which he applies to his own life.
Smit urged the captivated young rugby players to try to live their lives in a manner which they believed their children could one day aspire to. “In South Africa, as a nation, we are certainly lacking in good role models. There are very few role models for boys, and even fewer for girls,” Smit stated.
As a national role model himself, Smit is often privy to the overwhelming plights of people in South Africa. He acknowledged it can become discouraging to hear about all that is going wrong in the country but was impressed with the Vikings Academy itself, and the effort it is making to change the future of rugby, as well as the future of the country. “What is happening here is very special. It is unbelievable and important for me to see what gets done by those who initiate things themselves. You are developing people and leaders for this country. Seeing what is being done here is just one of those feel good stories,” Smit said.
Dawie Snyman, manager of the Vikings Academy, who plays a pivotal role in what is being done to train up the next generation of South African rugby on the South Coast said that Smit’s visit meant so much to the players. “He’s really a genuine, down to earth guy and it was a real honour to have him. He spoke words of inspiration, guidance, and encouragement, not only to our students, but to everyone present. He’s a legend,” Snyman stated.
