Using sport to create a brighter future

L’Avenir Wine Estate partnered with Sanzaar and Mitsubishi South Africa to raise funds and gear for sports development in Stellenbosch, through the Hands-on Sports Initiative at its Pebbles Project Afterschool Centre.

By harnessing the mutual ties of L’Avenir ambassador and World Rugby referee, Jaco Peyper, sports development in Stellenbosch will receive a welcome boost through a fund raising that took place at L’Avenir Estate. The event was part of the Sanzaar (South Africa, New Zealand, Australia and Argentina Rugby) referees’ preseason preparation session, which was hosted at L’Avenir’s Single Block conference facility.

In the spirit of sharing and skills development, the Sanzaar referees were taught the basics of viticulture by the learners from L’Avenir’s Pebbles After School Care Centre. L’Avenir’s Hands-On Garden was established to honour the skills and craft of its vineyard workers. The garden is also used in a special viticulture curriculum, whereby the Pebbles learners get exposed to the craft of viticulture and therefore also gain a better understanding of the work that many of their parents do.

“L’Avenir means ‘the future’ in French. It is only fitting that the estate prioritises education and creating opportunities for the farming communities of L’Avenir and the surrounding properties. L’Avenir established the L’Avenir Pebbles Project Afterschool Care Centre in 2008, which was the start of a journey of education and long-term, sustainable skills development,” explains L’Avenir Director Human Resources, Rebekka Swiegers.

Sports development is a significant part of this drive. The L’Avenir Sports Development Project is supported by the French Embassy in South Africa, as well as prominent brand ambassadors, such as Jaco Peyper and the former Blitzbok captain, Philip Snyman.

“We have all experienced the impact that the Rugby World Cup victory had on the entire nation. By partnering with our ambassadors and likeminded supporters like Mitsubishi South Africa and The We Love Football Academy, we aim to use professional coaching and sport as a catalyst for opportunities and social upliftment in the Stellenbosch farming community,” explains Swiegers.

According to Jaco Peyper, his involvement at L’Avenir has revealed remarkable similarities between the essence of winemaking and rugby refereeing. “Just like referees, winemakers need to be able to be precise, but also think on their feet. I can also personally relate to L’Avenir’s ambition of catalysing positive change in South Africa through sport. Sanzaar was therefore proud to have its conference at L’Avenir and to donate the funds and sports kit raised to the L’Avenir Sports Development Project,” explains Peyper.

Peyper’s sentiments were echoed by another L’Avenir Ambassador, former New Zealand rugby player and World Rugby referee, Glen Jackson. “L’Avenir terrifically embodies the balance of truly being rooted in both their local terroir and communities, but making an international impact with their wines. From an international perspective, the L’Avenir Sports Development Project is truly inspiring and my hope is that we will soon see an international sport star (or perhaps referee!) as a result of their remarkable efforts.

About L’Avenir Wine Estate

L’Avenir Wine Estate is a boutique wine estate in Stellenbosch, which specialises in single vineyard Chenin Blanc and Pinotage.

About Pebbles Project

Pebbles Project enriches the lives of children and families in the Cape Winelands farming communities in the Western Cape.  Since their inception in 2004, Pebbles Projects has impacted the lives of children and their families by providing support and intervention in five key areas: Education, Health, Nutrition, Community and Protection.  

About the L’Avenir Sports Development Project

The L’Avenir Sports Development Project is pioneering sports development in the Cape Winelands through professional coaching.  Dedicated to creating fair play on and off the pitch, the project uses play to steer youth toward a better life, with better awareness, life skills and ultimately, better opportunities.

For more information contact Dr Edo Heyns – Advini South Africa Strategic Development Manager: Edo.heyns@advinisa.co.za