Last Saturday saw over 200 parents attend the Boks Bash South Africa Tour Fundraiser hosted by the Sports Department in support of this summer’s Sports Tours to South Africa and the charity the LIV Village Orphanage.
Director of Sport Dr Iain Simpson said, “The evening was great fun and raised over £28,000 through live auctions, a raffle, and donations. A huge thank you to everyone for their generosity in donating, bidding and helping in the weeks leading up to the event”
Guests were treated to a delicious three-course meal, with 25 pupils who are going on the tour serving the food. There was also music, games and dancing.
Feedback from parents included, “It was an incredible night full of amusing anecdotes hosted by Roger Deakin (England Goal Keeper) and stories of rugby and cricket tours from Leon Lloyd and Paul Nixon, who have visited South Africa many times themselves. They helped showcase the benefits the pupils will get from visiting the Liv Village and playing international teams. Bravo Dr Simpson and team, on a wonderful night”
“What a team…what a night! You all worked so hard to make the evening the success it was. Everyone had an absolutely fab time. When’s the next one?!”
In July over 140 Oakhamian sportsmen and women will travel the length and breadth of South Africa playing rugby, hockey and netball on 5 different tours. The objective of the tours is to expose children to fantastic sporting and cultural experiences, playing fixtures in some of the most beautiful locations, as well as experiencing how other children live in different parts of the world.
On previous tours, the touring parties raised funds to buy footwear for 1,000 primary school children in the suburbs of Cape Town and went to meet the children and fit them with their shoes.
Every three years, Oakham takes a large group of pupils on its major Sports Tour, the School’s biggest trip on the calendar, and a highlight for all who embark upon it.
