Leewin Kammies (16), a learner from Brandwag High School and Kariega-raised rugby player has been invited to take part in a tour set to take place in Italy and France in December this year.
The tour, organised by the internationally known Travel and Sport Travel, a school tour operator, is offering a chance for Leewin to join the tour from December 4 to December 13. This tour has been established to expose participants to the offerings of Italy and France as well as the prospective opportunities available to them.
Leewin, a promising young rugby player, has been playing rugby since primary school at Caritas Primary School. He started at Brandwag High School in 2021 and played for the u/14A, u/15A and now, the u/16A team. He recently took part in the Jean de Villiers u/16 Rugby Festival in association with Travel and Sport School Tour Specialists held in Cape Town.
The total cost of the tour is R54 760, which includes tax and travel insurance, and is payable by the players themselves.
The teenager and his mother Colleen Kammies have been doing their own fundraising efforts to be able to pay for the trip.
Colleen said, “I am a single working mom and a nurse, and we are doing fundraising from our side.”
One of their fundraising efforts included a braai meat sale at their home in Rosedale recently that managed to raise a total of R4 500.
“In June we will be having a Bingo night at our home and in August we will be having a Golden Oldies event,” she added.
There are other fundraising initiatives that they plan on holding in their efforts of securing the funds, and they are hoping for additional sponsorship to reach the huge target. “Leewin’s dream of pursuing rugby is heavily dependent on us getting sponsors for him,” said Colleen.
“We would appreciate contributions in any form, whether it is financial or in the form of quality rugby boots,” she explained.
For more information, email Colleen on colleenkammies@gmail.com.