SALADS DON'T WIN SCRUMS! (EMPOWERING YOUTH THROUGH RELATABLE ROLE MODELS)
- Carrie Delaney, MD
As we commemorate Youth Day, celebrating the resilience and potential of our young people, it’s crucial to reflect on the role models who inspire and shape their aspirations. As a mom of two young, impressionable girls, I realize now more than ever how important it is that they have relatable and authentic role models. In today’s fast-paced world dominated by digital influences and often unattainable celebrity figures (the Kardashians *blegh* quickly come to mind), the need for such role models becomes increasingly vital.
I’m reminded of a touching story shared by a colleague about her friend’s son, a young boy who is sometimes teased at school for being a bit chubby. However, during the Rugby World Cup, something meaningful happened. Ox Nche, a well-known Springbok player, captured the nation’s attention not just for his mastery on the field but for his viral comment:
"Salads don't win scrums."
This resonated deeply with the boy, who saw in Ox Nche a mirror of himself—burly, unapologetic, and proud. Inspired by Nche’s confidence and authenticity, the boy proudly proclaimed that if Ox Nche could be so successful and love chocolate cake, then he could too! I’m sure this is one of many stories of this nature and bet Ox inspired more than one little chubby boy from Pretoria. This simple but powerful moment illustrates the profound impact of relatable role models in sports, showing our children that greatness comes in all shapes and sizes.
In a world where screens often dictate our children’s perceptions of success and self-worth, sports offer a tangible path to inspiration and hope. Last Friday, we had the honor of hosting Gareth Whittaker at one of our regular Mscsports’ Town Halls. Gareth, CEO of T&W and producer of the popular Chasing the Sun docuseries, speaks passionately about rugby’s ability to unite our nation and uplift our youth. Sports not only teach valuable life lessons such as teamwork, perseverance, and discipline but also provide a platform for our youth to find positive role models who embody these values. There are countless sporting heroes—from various backgrounds and circumstances—who have overcome adversity. These stories provide positive role models that our children and the younger generation can relate to, inspiring them to pursue their dreams with determination. (This is also an opportunity for me to mention our latest “SA Sponsorship” podcast episode featuring Gareth and the stories he shared; please give it a listen!)
As South Africans, it is our responsibility to cultivate environments where our youth can flourish, drawing inspiration from figures like Ox Nche and imagining futures beyond societal norms. Through promoting active participation in sports, we not only improve physical health but also nurture mental resilience and foster a sense of belonging.
At Mscsports, we are privileged to oversee impactful sponsorships in collaboration with our valued client Engen, including the Engen Knockout Tournament and the Get Into Rugby program.
These initiatives aim to create nurturing spaces where our youth, irrespective of their background, can find hope, stay active, and realise their full potential.
During this Youth Month, let us reaffirm our commitment to supporting our youth through sports, providing them with real heroes who exemplify authenticity, determination, and inclusivity. Together, we can cultivate a generation of young leaders who are empowered to make a positive impact, both on and off the field. Sports has the remarkable ability to unite, inspire, and instill hope—let’s ensure our children have access to these transformative experiences and relatable, authentic role models they can truly admire!