Taking place between 30 April and 3 May in Lambert's Bay, the Kumba West Coast Classic is back and bigger than ever before with prize money totalling R90,000.
Kumba Iron Ore, a business unit of Anglo American has made a generous contribution not only by sponsoring the prize money, but also providing a skills transfer and social development platform by supporting a local development team, who in turn will upskill their own community members.
The development initiative started in 2009 when 40 children from the local community of Diazville were trained in the sport of bodyboarding. The developmental team of that time picked up valuable life and water skills from the Boland Bodyboarding team trainers and are now comfortable to independently surf in rough waters.
Boland Bodyboarding has committed itself to continuously train the developmental teams throughout the year and monitor progress in preparation of the final planning for the SA Championships.
Kumba Iron Ore will be sponsoring wetsuits, boards and fins to the value of R320,000 for the development initiative which forms a crucial part of the event. The development riders attend a bodyboarding school where professionals from the Boland Bodyboarding Association (BBA) teach them how to ride the waves and compete professionally. During a competition at the Kumba West Coast Classic, the best development rider will be crowned.
The Kumba West Coast Classic is hosted by the BBA. Chairman Morne Laubscher says, "We already had the chance of hosting four national events that form part of the SABA circuit, where riders from all over the country compete for valuable points to determine a SABA champion at the end of each year. The 2014 Kumba West Coast Classic comes eagerly anticipated and we look forward to welcoming sporting fans and the local community to the event."
This relationship is part of Kumba's continued support and development of its host communities. During 2013, the company invested R253.7m in various projects aimed at leaving a lasting legacy, which were delivered in consultation with the relevant communities. This support is more than just about sponsorship but rather about being active and responsible corporate citizens who add value to the lives of the local people with whom they work and live.
"As a member of the community and partner in development, Kumba is proud to be associated with projects that strive to contribute to the well-being and prosperity of local communities. We want to ensure sustainable communities that will thrive even after our mining operations are no longer active in the area. Kumba's approach to community development follows one rule: South African society, specifically the communities in which we operate, must benefit from our commercial presence. By supporting this event we are not only promoting a national sport but we are also promoting healthy lifestyles for the youth of these communities and developing future local sporting talent," says Yvonne Mfolo, Executive Head of public affairs at Kumba Iron Ore.
Kumba's involvement is also aimed at stimulating tourism in the local community to create jobs and economic development while also offering participants and the public an opportunity to have fun and enjoy time out on the beach.
