Daniel Kolver, a driven 16-year-old athlete from Knysna, Western Cape, represents the pinnacle of commitment and excellence in the demanding world of modern pentathlon. This Olympic sport, composed of fencing, freestyle swimming, obstacle course racing, laser pistol shooting, and cross-country running, demands versatility and exceptional skill across multiple disciplines.
Pictured above: Daniel Kolver takes the lead in a cross-country event
A little over a year ago, Kolver set a formidable goal: to earn Junior Protea colours in modern pentathlon. His relentless pursuit of this goal involved overcoming injuries, pushing through intense pain, and sacrificing countless personal hours for rigorous training. His efforts culminated in a remarkable achievement at the South African modern pentathlon championships in Somerset West this April, where he not only won the U19 category but also secured his Junior Protea colours.
Pictured above: Daniel Obstacle course racing: A dynamic challenge in the modern pentathlon lineup.
This outstanding performance has qualified Kolver for the Modern Pentathlon Junior World Championships and African Championships in Egypt at the end of June. Securing a place at this international event is not just a personal triumph for Kolver; it also brings prestige to the Knysna community, which is committed to fostering excellence in both academics and extracurricular activities.
However, participating in this international competition carries substantial costs, estimated at around R60,000. These costs include expenses for travel, accommodation, competition fees, and the necessary upgrade to an international standard fencing kit, as his current gear does not meet international standards.
Pictured above: Daniel Obstacle course racing: A dynamic challenge in the modern pentathlon lineup.
In response, a crowdfunding campaign has been initiated on BackaBuddy to gather the necessary funds. With R14,800 already raised thanks to the generosity of eight donors, there remains a significant amount to be covered to reach the R60,000 target.
Contributions of any size are invaluable and will assist in covering these essential costs, enabling Kolver to compete on the global stage and strive for his Junior Protea colours. This support not only aids Kolver in achieving his ambitions but also exemplifies the spirit of the community.
In the heart of Cape Town, the Montana Vikings Basketball Club (MVBC) stands as a symbol of hope for the youth. Driven by a vision to transform lives and make a mark on the global basketball stage, this community-based organization is spearheading a movement that melds sportsmanship with social impact.
Pictured above: 2023 under 14 boys CTBA champs
Under the leadership of Shafiek Allie, the club’s chairperson, MVBC has launched a crowdfunding campaign on BackaBuddy. They aim to raise R330,000 to enable young athletes to participate in the Soweto Basketball Uprising Tournament, a stepping stone to national and international recognition.
Uniting to Transform Lives
Since its inception in 1995, MVBC has evolved into a formidable force, boasting 135 members across various age groups. Craig Daniels, the founder, envisioned a place where underprivileged kids could channel their energies into something constructive. Today, the club is a thriving hub where youth find purpose, values, and resilience, not just on the court but in life.
Pictured above: MVBC Showcasing importance of fundamentals
For many, MVBC is more than a sports club—it’s a sanctuary where underprivileged children discover their true potential and come together as one family. Both on and off the court, they are united by their passion for basketball and their desire to uplift one another. With a mission to nurture the next generation of players, MVBC emphasizes the importance of “paying it forward” and “giving back” to the community.
A Journey Towards the Summit
The Soweto Basketball Uprising Tournament, scheduled for June 14–17, 2024, represents the club’s next significant milestone. The tournament will feature the best U18 teams in the country, and for MVBC, it’s an opportunity to showcase the talent they’ve nurtured over the years. Their goal is to raise enough funds through BackaBuddy to cover transport, accommodation, meals, and equipment for 40 players, including management and coaches, to participate in this event in Soweto.
Pictured above: MVBC Super League Ladies team
Allie emphasizes the importance of this campaign: “Our vision is to enter the South African Basketball National League and eventually the Basketball Africa League. This tournament is a crucial step in that journey.” The BackaBuddy campaign aims to raise R330,000, enough to support each participant with R8,000. So far, they’ve raised over R54,700 with the support of nine donors, but there’s still a long way to go.
Building a Stronger Community
The impact of MVBC extends far beyond the basketball court. The club provides a constructive path for Cape Town’s youth, helping them avoid the perils of street life. It’s a place where values like respect, perseverance, and honesty are instilled, fostering a positive attitude toward life and the future. MVBC has consistently produced top players who have excelled provincially and nationally.
With the funds raised through the campaign, MVBC will continue its mission of transforming lives. Corporate sponsors will have a unique opportunity to be part of this journey, gaining visibility through logo placements on tracksuits and promotional materials. More importantly, they will be aligned with a cause that is making a tangible difference in society.
Pictured above: 2022 Jnr NBA champs
The campaign addresses a significant need: providing resources for young players to compete on larger stages, gain exposure, and develop as individuals. With the right support, these youths can become role models who inspire others to pursue their dreams despite the odds.
“In February 2024 I completed a seven-year quest of climbing the tallest peak on every continent. Climbing for me extends far beyond any record or achievement, it’s a continued journey back to my most authentic self.” (Remy Kloos)
A lot has been said and written about Remy Kloos – and for a good reason: she’s an exceptional human being whose vocabulary does not include the word “impossible”. In February Remy completed a seven-year quest of climbing the tallest peak on every continent and she’s off, yet again. This time, the Capetonian is joining the Avela Foundation for their second trek in six years to Everest Base Camp (EBC) to raise funds for and awareness of children with serious burn injuries.
Cami Palomo, Avela Foundation founder, says having Remy not only join but lead their second EBC expedition will add tremendous value. “Remy is one of the Best of the Best and apart from her super mountaineering skills we will also benefit from her incredible spirit and attitude towards life.”
For Cami, Avela has become her life’s work. The foundation, founded in Cape Town in 2016, has over the years raised substantial funds for medical equipment and treatment. Her Umatter program is however very close to her heart.
“Through this we provide not only physical support to children with serious burn injuries but also try and heal the emotional trauma that these children and their families experience. It’s for this reason that we need to expand the program to include more hospitals and training – something that cannot be done without funds.”
According to stats more than 1.6 million South Africans sustain serious burn injuries annually. Of them, at least 350,000 are children.
Pictured above: Cami Palomo – Mount Everest Base Camp (2018)
Cami says undertaking mountaineering expeditions is quite the challenge as it just airlifts you out of your comfort zone.
“It’s for that reason that we believe it’s a great way of honouring the courage, determination and resilience of young burn survivors.”
On the 10th of May Cami and Remy will be joined by a group of five business people, including one American, who all have in the past strapped on their hiking boots to help raise funds for Avela on donations crowdfunding platform, BackaBuddy.
Remy, having reached her seventh and final summit in February – Mount Kosciuszko in Australia, is excited to be part of the group: “The Avela Foundation is doing such incredible work, empowering and supporting children who survive serious burn injuries. Cami and her team help transform their lives by assisting them in dealing with their physical and emotional scars. I’m so touched by the work that the foundation does and am honoured to play a small role in helping.”
Remy herself is no stranger to the darker side of life. Battling serious depression and anxiety in 2016 and in desperate need of some perspective, she turned to the mountains for “help”. “I was standing on Mount Kilimanjaro, the Roof of Africa, fuelled with an electric surge of energy. In that moment I knew I had found meaning through a deep and soulful connection with the mountain and with every climb thereafter my confidence just grew and I knew I could make an impact!”
Six years later Remy become the first person from Africa to do the Everest-Lhoste combination-climb in 24 hours and achieving that also made her the first woman from the continent to summit the Lhotse peak in Asia. She does however not only leave her mark in history books – Remy is not surprisingly also in demand as a mountain guide and motivational speaker.
Cami shares Remy’s love and reverence for mountains and is tremendously excited to share in the world-class climber’s experiences during their upcoming trek.
“Having Remy as part of the Avela trek to EBC and hear her stories will enrich our journey and ignite an even deeper appreciation for the spiritual essence of the Himalayas and the transformative power of mountains.”
“Yes,” says Remy: “The mountains teach us about our own mortality. They show us how fragile we are and provide perspective in so far as that our daily frustrations are actually quite menial, all things considered.”
And Remy knows only too well what risks high-altitude mountaineering pose. “I have experienced minus-40 degrees Celsius carrying 50kg loads, have had frostbite numerous times, battled against 130km/h winds, not to mention cyclones where a single misstep could be fatal. I have been on many an exposed ridgeline and in extreme altitudes where no living organism is meant to survive for extended periods of time. Movements are extremely slow and it requires immense energy just to try to eat and drink. Every decision is extremely calculated, there is no room for error. One simple mistake like dropping a glove could have dire repercussions.”
Pictured above: Remy Kloos
Although the Avela team won’t be summiting Everest, Remy says she goes into every climb the same mental and physical preparation and attitude: “One must have a deep respect for the mountains and the surrounding lands and people for we are simply very lucky to be able to be there. This is their home and the invitation to explore, climb and trek is one that must be received and executed with kindness and humility.”
She echoes Cami’s hope that the trek will raise more awareness about the work that the Avela Foundation does and that this fundraising campaign will bring in much needed donations to support their work.
“As a team I know we can collectively make a difference and I want everyone on the trek to experience the magic of the grand Himalaya and be fuelled by her beauty and wisdom. I want them to be touched by the stories of the Nepalese people and to feel their warmth. With each step on such ancient lands I hope the group will experience something magical and return home with a newfound sense of gratitude and humility. So, we will not only be exploring together but hopefully raise much needed funds for a charity that is changing the lives of so many people.”
And Remy’s trademark sunflower will again be peaking out of her rucksack: “Where I go, the sunflower goes as for me it’s a gentle reminder of grace in our lives, representing our humanity and highlighting the importance of gratitude and positivity. “You know, at the end of the day, the summit is for the ego, but the journey, the journey – is for the soul.”
Support the Avela Foundation by making a donation on BackaBuddy:
Olebogeng Kgengwe, 28, originally from Bloemfontein and now living in Knysna, is embarking on an impressive 1,600 km cycling journey across the Western Cape into the Karoo’s dry landscape. The journey starts in Knysna and weaves through Sutherland, the Cederberg, and Oudtshoorn from April 6th to 13th. This ambitious route involves a challenging 16,000 to 20,000 meters of vertical ascent.
Pictured above: Olebogeng
This extraordinary quest isn’t just a test of physical stamina; it’s a heartfelt commitment to making a real difference in the world through the power of education.
Crowdfunding on BackaBuddy
Olebogeng’s mission is propelled by his firm belief in the transformative power of education and the critical need to support children at a crucial developmental stage.
He has launched a crowdfunding campaign on BackaBuddy, aiming to raise R38,500 to provide educational packs for 550 underprivileged children in 28 preschools across the disadvantaged areas of Knysna, Plettenberg Bay, Sedgefield, and Rheenendal. At R70 each, these packs offer symbols of hope, including activity booklets, play dough, pencils, books, and crafting materials, all crafted to enhance the children’s learning experiences and bolster their developmental progress during school holidays.
Pictured above: Olebogeng
This effort supports the Knysna Education Trust’s preschool intervention program, assisting children who are falling behind in developmental milestones to catch up and prepare for Grade R. Olebogeng is deeply committed to furnishing children in impoverished communities with crucial educational tools, particularly during the critical learning window of school holidays.
Olebogeng’s campaign has already garnered considerable support, raising R26 700 with the generous support of 24 donors.
Olebogeng is an avid athlete having completed three 1000km Munga races and two 1600km journeys from Johannesburg to Cape Town.
Olebogeng shares “I love helping people in need through cycling. It has changed my life in many ways, and I believe I can change others’ lives through riding my bicycle.”
To support Olebogeng Kgengwe’s inspirational campaign, visit:
Lize Marais, from the Helderberg region of the Western Cape, embodies determination and compassion as she strives to keep the doors of Milkwood Learning Academy and their beloved Toy Library open. This academy is a haven for children with special needs, including those with learning disabilities, autism, and Down syndrome.
With a crowdfunding campaign on BackaBuddy, Marais is rallying the community to secure the future of 18 students by the end of March 2024, facing an urgent financial crisis that threatens the academy’s existence.
A Sanctuary for Learning and Growth
Milkwood Learning Academy, nestled in the heart of the Helderberg region, is more than an educational institution; it’s a place where vulnerable children discover their potential in a nurturing and accepting environment. Founded by Marais seven years ago, the academy has become a critical resource for affordable, quality education tailored to children with intellectual disabilities. “It’s a place where they don’t feel rejected, they feel safe and loved,”Marais explains. Her commitment to these children is unwavering, driven by a vision of inclusivity and empowerment.
Marais shares poignant insights into the impact of Milkwood on its students: “Over the years I have seen so many success stories. Children come to us with very high anxiety levels. Some were rejected by society, others were enrolled in mainstream schools, and were subject to bullying from other children. Many of my children can’t speak a word or read a word when they join Milkwood. Later they learn to talk, play with others, and even read books.”
Pictured above: Lize Marais with Milkwood Learning Academy students
Crowdfunding on BackaBuddy
Despite the positive impact on its students, Milkwood’s financial sustainability is at risk. The school’s inclusive fee structure, designed to accommodate families of all economic backgrounds, has led to financial shortfalls. “Our goal is to enable children with special needs to live meaningful lives within their communities,” Marais says, emphasizing the need for support to keep this haven for learning alive.
Pictured above: Lize Marais with Milkwood Learning Academy students
Since the launch of the BackaBuddy campaign, 13 donors have come together to raise R15,581 towards Milkwood’s fundraising target of R60 000 to address their immediate financial needs, including rent and daily operational costs
“As the deadline approaches, the story of Milkwood Learning Academy and its fight for survival serves as a testament to the impact of community support and the difference it can make in the lives of children with special needs, who are the most vulnerable among us.” – says Bernelie Barwise ( Social Media Manager at BackaBuddy.)
To support Lize Marais and the Milkwood Learning Academy, visit their BackaBuddy campaign link:
Pictured above: Daniel Kolver takes the lead in a cross-country event
Pictured above: Daniel Obstacle course racing: A dynamic challenge in the modern pentathlon lineup.
Pictured above: Daniel Obstacle course racing: A dynamic challenge in the modern pentathlon lineup.
