For the select few privileged with exceptional sporting ability, the time that University studies demand often conflicts with honing their special skills. These students are often obliged to choose between their sporting careers and an academic qualification — a choice of either missing out on a promising sporting career, or forfeiting an academic qualification!

Two years ago TuksSport crafted a solution to benefit the holistic development of our sports stars - the Adopt-an-Athlete Scholarship Fund to blend sport and academic development.

At the gala launch (which will be an annual event) the guest speakers were the Vice-Chancellor and Principal, Prof Cheryl de la Rey and the CEO of the Johannesburg Stock Exchange, Mr Russell Loubser (who is also an alumnus of the university and former star Tuks hockey player). In their respective addresses, both fully supported the Adopt-an-Athlete programme.

Also present at the function were former student athletes who were recipients of financial support at UP, namely Aaron Denenga (rugby), Nakedi Maputla (basketball) and Aobakwe Mothoagae (hockey), who each gave a short address to express their appreciation to those who donated towards their scholarships.

Companies and individual businessmen are being approached to donate to the Adopt-an-Athlete Scholarship Fund, to support a student athlete and promote a sport of their choice. Interested parties may select from our 27 sports clubs and donors receive a tax certificate issued in terms of Section 18 (A) of the Income Tax Act 101 of 1997, as well as points on their company’s B-BBEE scorecard.

For more information and to suggest potential donors, please contact Wynand Claassen, Manager: TuksSport Alumni at 012 420 6067 or Linda van Wyk at the Department of Institutional Advancement at 012 420 3361.