CAPE TOWN – Former Springbok head coach Peter de Villiers believes the time has come to give back to the community where it all began for him.
On Wednesday De Villiers in partnership with the British Consulate in Cape Town hosted a reception to mark the relaunch of his foundation, The Peter de Villiers Foundation.
He showcased his plans for the Foundation to build on his extensive work with communities in the Western Cape and across South Africa.
The 66-year-old, who was born and bred in Paarl recently returned to coaching rugby again after being named the head coach of the South African National Deaf Sevens team.
“It’s years and years of hard work, the dream and never giving up that has made this come true – so I will never give up on my dream. My dream is to serve my community,” said de Villiers.
“My dream is to give the kids what they don’t have, something that I was privileged to have growing up. Also by doing this, we are encouraging the kids to work hard and when you work hard you can achieve anything.
“Anybody who forgets his roots don’t know where they are heading. If you want to be successful in life you need to know where you are coming from.”
The first project under the Foundation will establish a sustainable rugby kit recycling campaign that will redistribute quality rugby kits and equipment to disadvantaged South African schools and clubs.
De Villiers’ vision and ultimate dream is to see the community of Paarl have world-class facilities.
“I want to see Paarl having a High-Performance Centre, that is my dream.,” he said.
“I want the place to host many sporting codes like netball, hockey and others.
The project is supported by SOS Kit Aid and Rugby Recycled in the UK.
