Giving Back Through Sport

 

 

One thing’s for sure, South Africans have big hearts, and this story is a perfect illustration of that. Businessman Greg James realised the power of sport after losing about 30kg and competing in the Hawaii Ironman.

 

On his return to South Africa, after working abroad, Greg was itching to give back to the people of his country. After brainstorming various ideas, early this year, the JAG Sports and Education Foundation was born.

 

The focus of the Foundation is to empower the youth through Sport to make responsible choices in life.

 

JAG’s initial programs were only in the Western Cape, but last week, they also launched in East London and Eastern Cape. There are plans to take their work to Gauteng and KwaZulu Natal.

 

JAG’s long-term goal is to jointly achieve growth through sport and to contribute to a better, safer and healthier South Africa. gsport spoke to champion SA athlete Elana Meyer, who is a key member of the JAG team:

 

Why was JAG launched?  

 

JAG was founded by businessman, Greg James.  He realised the power of Sport again after losing about 30 kg and competing in the Hawaii Ironman.

 

Coming back to South Africa, after working abroad in Zurich for many years, Greg wanted to do something in SA through Sport and to give back.

 

His idea grew bigger and bigger and we launched the JAG Sports and Education Foundation in early April this year.

 

Greg is a man of action and he makes things happen, it does not stay with talking about it or dreaming about it.

 

When did you get involved?

 

I got involved through Tegla Loroupe; multiple world champion from Kenya. Once, we were fierce competitors, but she introduced me to Greg.

 

I loved the concept from the first moment, and today I feel extremely privileged to be part of such a profound and powerful project.

 

What is the main focus of JAG?

 

The focus is to empower the youth through Sport to make responsible choices in life.
What initiatives have you implemented for JAG?

 

One of our programs is the Mighty Metres program for primary schools, and the goal is to get kids on a program that encourages them to have healthy habits and to regularly exercise. 

 

We also have a Young Runners program for kids that want to take part in track running, cross country or Fun Runs.  We have partners in rugby, soccer cricket etc

 

How are you enjoying being involved in JAG’s contributions to our society?

 

I know the power of Sport first hand and also know the impact of sport.

 

Now I have the opportunity to pass this gift and opportunity on to the youth of SA, and it gives me a great sense of satisfaction when I see the positive attitude in kids, when getting involved in sport and the way that sport impacts their lives.

 

 

 

Does JAG’s programs run nationally or only in the Western Cape?

 

Our first programs were only in Western Cape, this week we have also launched in East London and Eastern Cape and the next step would be to grow into Gauteng, KwaZulu Natal, and the rest of the country and continent.

 

How can someone get involved with the work of JAG?

 

There are many ways to get involved.  What we need most are people to volunteer time and skills to train or impact others.  Equipment and funding is also welcome.  But for more info please contact us at [email protected]

 

What is the long term goal of JAG?

 

To JOINTLY Achieve Growth through Sport and to contribute to a better, safer and healthier South Africa. 

 

To read more about JAG, visit the JAG Sports and Education Foundation website. You can also find out more about Elana at the  Elana Meyer’s website.