Day 4 of Calypso cricket saw a few awestruck teenagers and tweens from Grassy Park, Gugulethu, Steenberg and Nyanga giggle with delight when Juan de Jongh dropped in at Muizenberg’s Sunrise Beach for some Calypso fever.
The Western Province and Springboks Centre was there to give insight into what it takes to make something of your life, stressing the importance of hard work. “I would work hard every time I got the opportunity because I had a goal – I wanted to achieve something – and the only way to achieve something is by working hard and not quitting,” he said.
The Gangnam style master (or Juan-nam to those in the know) showed that he’s a Jack-of-all-trades as he was kitted out in the official Calypso gear and spent some time “at the crease” doubling as a batsman and a bowler. So…he’s now a rugby player, rugby’s premier dancer, and an unofficial all-rounder…we have a name for such people…Super Juan!
Also in attendance was Maurits van Nierop Foundation ambassador Rene Naylor, who said the Foundation supports initiatives that recognise the importance sport plays in a child’s life as well as those that give children the opportunity to get out there and play.
Naylor, who also works with the Springboks as a physiotherapist, showed us a thing or two about cover drives and reverse sweeps when she too spent time in the middle.
An inspiring day for the kids! Thanks to Juan and the Maurits van Nierop Foundation for coming down.
Thanks to Taquanta Investment Holdings, Virgin Active SA, Pick n Pay Western Cape, Supersport Let’s Play, the Maurits van Nierop Foundation, Groupon South Africa and the Rotary Club for supporting Calypso Cricket.