Tribute to my Alma Mata
Sport Skills for Life Skills (SS4LS) is a cricket bursary programme founded by one, Adv Nicolas Kock and funded by a very special human being in Prof Johann Graaf.
The programme based at the University of the Western Cape (UWC), had humble beginnings in 2000 with probably partially sponsoring 1-3 students. Today in the year 2013, the University and the programme helps about 20-25 aspiring cricketers achieve tertiary education.
UWC, is a former "bush" ( non-white university, of the past) University, located in Bellville, Western Cape. It is neighboured by the well known University of Cape Town at the base of Table Mountain and the University of Stellenbosch, surrounded by beautiful vineyards and the Helderberg Mountains. In 2001 I registered for a B.Sc Physiotherapy degree, but unbeknown to me, it would mark the beginning of a very heart warming relationship between an outstanding life skill programme and myself.
In 2000, Adv Nicolas Kock, the brainchild of programme took his idea to another socialist and philanthropist, Prof Johann Graaf. From then on the relationship between the two has been able to produce an outstanding cricket club, which has won numerous premier league titles, having won the double twice and has been in 3 University Week finals within the last 5 years. Currently UWC is the second best club in the country, having got to the Club Champs Final. To date, we are probably one of the leading Universities that have produced semi pro and professional cricketers with degrees. The likes of Francois Plaatjies, Gurshwin Rabie and Rowan Richards, are playing franchise cricket and all have degrees ranging from a Masters in Information Systems to Honours in Sociology. A long list of amateur cricketers also found the benefit of studying at UWC rewarding. The club has also drawn big name head coaches, namely Ezra Poole ( WP and North West wicketkeeper), Andrew Wylie ( Boland batsman) and currently Andy Moles ( English county batsman and former New Zealand Coach).
It was a honour to receive a bursary to complete my Masters in Physiotherapy and represent this life changing University as a budding cricketer and many more students will feel the same gratitude. This proud University and programme is being represented throughout the country, in the work place and the cricket fields by proud alumni. The legacy of UWC and SS4LS will continue to roll out, well rounded cricketers with degrees for years to come.
Thank you Prof Johann Graaf and the Graaf Trust for your unselfishness and support to a man who gave up being a lawyer to fore fill the dreams of many aspiring cricketers.
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