Members of the British & Irish Lions earlier today unveiled a new rugby pitch, changing and toilet facilities at Simondium Primary School as part of a Legacy Project by Lions sponsor FirstCape Wines.
The project was a commitment by FirstCape to give something back to the local community around it Simondium winery as part of its sponsorship of The Lions. FirstCape director Greg Wilkins said; “We’re very proud to be The Official Wine of the British & Irish Lions and right from the start we felt that it was important that this relationship allowed us to leave a lasting legacy in our local community. It has also been great to get some of the other sponsors involved to really leave a lasting impact on this school.”
Simondium’s headmaster William Keet said, “Our students are very passionate about rugby and to meet these rugby heroes is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for them. Our new facilities will have such a positive effect not only on our students but on their families and our wider community and as such we are very grateful to FirstCape and The Lions for their involvement.”
Lee Byrne admitted that it was a humbling experience: “These kids have so little but they are full of spirit and just so excited every time they pick up a rugby ball. It’s a real privilege to be here to share this day with them, pass on a few tips and see them enjoy this new facility.”
Tour Manager Gerald Davies agreed: “We came here last year to view the school before work had started and seeing the difference that FirstCape’s legacy project has made, we are immensely proud to have been involved. To formally open the facilities today is a very special for the Lions, knowing that we have been able to leave a lasting legacy for these children and their community.”
As part of FirstCape’s unveiling, the squad members including Lee Mears, Luke Fitzgerald, Paul O’Connell, David Wallace, Stephen Ferris, Ronan O’Gara, Leigh Halfpenny, Shane Williams and Lee Byrne took part in a coaching session with the children, led by the HSBC Penguins Coaching Academy. HSBC ambassador and two-time British & Irish Lion Jason Robinson joined the Penguins to coach 100 children from the school as part of HSBC’s commitment as Principal Partner of the Lions Tour to investing in the South African community. HSBC also donated some kit to the children which was collected by Bolton School as part of their SOS IRB Kit Aid scheme. Rhino Rugby also kindly donated some equipment for the school’s big day.
