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Springboks back fund for injured players

25 June 2010

The Springboks will show their support for the victims of serious and/or catastrophic rugby injuries when they take to the field in Saturday's second test against Italy in East London wearing the logo of the Chris Burger Petro Jackson Players' Fund on their shorts.

The Fund commemorates its 30th anniversary this year, and the entire Springbok squad has once again shown its commitment to the cause by volunteering to man the phones during the annual Players' Fund telethon to be held in Johannesburg.

The hugely popular televised fundraiser forms part of the 14th annual Bell's Night of the Stars Rugby Extravaganza, to be held at the Ballroom at Montecasino on Tuesday, 17 August – four days before the Springboks take on the All Blacks in a Vodacom Tri-Nations clash at Coca-Cola Park.

Aiming for a record

The Fund, which currently looks after 102 recipients around the country, is hoping to break last year's record of R1-million raised at the event through table sales and telephonic pledges from fans.

Table bookings are open for what has become one of the most popular events on the South African social calendar.

World Cup winner Joel Stransky will be the keynote speaker, with Dan Nicholl acting as master of ceremonies, on an evening where fans have the opportunity to enjoy an unforgettable night by socialising with past and present Springbok rugby heroes.

'Incredibly proud'

"I know I speak on behalf of the entire Springbok team when I say that I'm incredibly proud to wear the Chris Burger Petro Jackson Players' Fund logo every time I run onto the field for a Test match," said Springbok captain John Smit.

"Everyone involved in rugby can be very proud of what the Fund has achieved over the past 30 years and, as always, we'll be right behind them in their efforts to raise funds for those guys who have been injured playing the game they love."

The Fund was established in 1980 by former Springbok captain Morné du Plessis after his teammate Chris Burger was fatally injured playing for Western Province.

'Close to my heart'

"The Fund is something very close to my heart, and this event really can make a difference to the players of all ages and levels who have to spend the rest of their lives in a wheelchair," said Du Plessis, who is chairman of the Fund.

"What started out as a tribute to a fallen team-mate has grown into something special, of which the entire South African rugby fraternity can be truly proud."

In 2009, five players died and another four became quadriplegics after being injured on the field. However, that number has sharply decreased in 2010, thanks to the partnership between the Fund, the South African Rugby Union and the BokSmart National Rugby Safety Programme, which was launched last year.

BokSmart

"All the behind-the-scenes hard work that the Fund and its team have put in over the past 30 years has ultimately contributed to the development of the BokSmart programme," said Dr Wayne Viljoen, SARU's Project Manager for BokSmart.

"This great Bok side showing their support and wearing the Fund logo will hopefully continue to raise awareness of the safety issues of the game and make our job of keeping players out of wheelchairs much easier."

Telethon times

The telethon will be televised live on SuperSport 1 from 20:00 to 22:00. The public is encouraged to call in to 082 235 0420 and speak to a Springbok and pledge an amount to the Fund.

During the telethon, there will be live television crossovers to the banquet, allowing viewers to feel part of the evening's activities.

"We are extremely proud of our association with the Chris Burger Petro Jackson Players' Fund and the Bell's Night of the Stars," said Dominic Malan, marketing manager of Bell's Extra Special Old Scotch Whisky.

"We have been involved in raising funds for this charity for the past decade and the Night of the Stars is an event that not only aids the raising of these all-important funds but is a celebration of all the hard work that the Fund does to enrich communities through their charitable efforts."

Tables

Tables cost R10 000, with Gauteng-based ex-Springboks filling one of the 10 seats.

To book or for more information, visit The Chris Burger Petro Jackson Players' Fund, phone Gail or Alison on (021) 659 5615 or E-mail the Players' Fund.

For more information about BokSmart and how you can help make the game safer, please visit BokSmart or phone (021) 659 6732.

SAinfo reporter