Paying it forward – our first official Junior Sponsor
Today is a very special day in our world of bowls! June represents Youth Month so making this announcement today and during this month is even more incredible.
We are welcoming our first official WP Junior Sponsor!
Thando was selected for the 2022 u18 WP Masters tournament and also represented our district at this year’s BSA Junior Nationals in the u15B team. His team came 6th out of 12 – which is amazing for this team as most of the players were playing for the first time. Imagine what they are going to do next year!
In the lead-up to the Junior Nationals this May – the district sent out a request for sponsorship. The costs for juniors work very similarly to how they do for the adult inter-districts tournament where the individual player needs to pay a portion of their transport and accommodation expenses and the federation pays the remaining amount. Fundraising and covering costs for a junior is naturally a bit more difficult as these youngsters are not exactly working and saving up pocket money is not easy.
This is where a Junior Sponsor can help. Candice Goncalves is now the proud sponsor of Thando Mraji – a current WP junior and Bellville member. During the WP Junior Masters this past weekend she fell in love with his spirit, sportsmanship, and determination! She has committed to sponsoring his 2023 BSA Junior Nationals tournament and was thrilled to be able to sponsor him a new bowls bag as well. On behalf of WP, we are so proud of you both!
We would also like to commend Bellville Bowling Club and its members for the fundraising efforts already achieved that have assisted with sending Thando to this year’s BSA Junior Nationals in Bloemfontein as well as other areas of his bowling requirements. Also, your ongoing support and buy-in from your membership in support of youth bowls are heart-warming. We hope this is a campaign that we can grow together, spread the word, and encourage more youngsters and adults to connect.
There are also other funding avenues such as junior clothing, transport, accommodation, and meal expenses. We would love to talk more about any sponsor with any interested group/individual.
