Assupol TuksCricket widened their community outreach initiatives and began a conservation project to help raise funds for the Black Rhino Reserve Wildlife Trust. The trust also assists in preserving, fauna, flora and tourism activities in the Pilanesberg National Park Wilderness area. The Trust also focuses on rhino anti-poaching activities. The objective of the initiative was for the TuksCricket players, staff and other stakeholders to join hands and raise funds in order to support the Trust in their quest to protect our wildlife.

The fundraising drive supported with a contribution from Assupol ensured that TuksCricket was able to raise thirty-thousand Rand for the Black Rhino Reserve Wildlife Trust. This is hopefully the beginning of a long-term relationship between Assupol TuksCricket and the Black Rhino Reserve Wildlife Trust. 

The handover of the donation took place during the Elite Squad’s Pre-Season team-building weekend hosted in the Pilanesburg Area. The breakaway session gave the junior and senior players an opportunity to come together in preparation for the upcoming season and define what both their on-field and off-field culture will be. 

 

A highlight for the Assupol TuksCricket players and staff was getting the opportunity to work and collaborate with the Black Rhino Reserve Wildlife Trust in order to dart two white rhinos. The first white rhino was a massive bull that had sustained an injury due to a territorial battle with another rhino. The team assisted in treating the wound. The second white rhino was a cow that needed to be notched and this was done for identification purposes and to collect DNA samples. The team also inserted micro-chips for easier identification. The rhino cow was named after the Assupol TuksCricket Manager Blanche.

 

 

Assupol TuksCricket Head of Programme and Head Coach, Kruger van Wyk said that the project came at the beginning of the clubs outreach month. At the beginning of September 2018, the club will host their annual cricket day with the Soweto Pioneers Cricket Club. He added, “I am incredibly proud of the players for buying into our conservation and community programmes. This weekend was a success because of the team’s effort and speaks to our culture of making a difference on and off the field.” The winning Coach thanked the Black Rhino Reserve Wildlife Trust for allowing the Assupol TuksCricket Club to be part of their initiative on their quest to make a difference in the world of conservation.


 

Deon Strydom, co-founder and trustee of the Black Rhino Reserve Wildlife Trust said, “The power of combining sport and conservation efforts is extremely important to create awareness regarding the current issues in rhino poaching. The public needs to be aware of the facts and they need to support these causes to preserve wildlife. When I observe the passion and the character of the Assupol TuksCricket team and coaching staff, I have no doubt in my mind that they will be successful. We are looking forward to a fruitful partnership that will help conserve wildlife.”