Fusion Outsourcing Services, a Cape Town-based call centre company handed over a R25,000 cheque to Schotschekloof Walmers Rugby Football Club at a ceremony at the Green Point Track on 18 April 2011.

The club that plays on ground steeped in rugby history for the Coloured people of the Western Cape, has become custodian of a sport that has brought the community together for decades.

Moeneeb Levy, club vice president recounts how families, following the District Six forced removals, returned from the Cape Flats to Bo-Kaap for Sunday afternoon rugby games which reunited neighbours and communities.

The old Green Point track, home to the club, is owned by the City of Cape Town, which means players and support staff are forced to move to other venues during events and concerts at nearby Cape Town Stadium.

Despite having to make do without constantly-available fields and the sort of club house enjoyed by more affluent clubs in the Super League, SK-Walmers have in the last seven years, finished regularly in the top four of the Western Province Super League.

Club President, Gamiem Khan, said, on receipt of the donation, “Thank you to Fusion SA for investing in our club and assisting with the development of our youth and general operations of our club. Not too many companies sponsor club rugby. We as a club are very grateful and will use the donation well.”

SK-Walmers’ Outreach programme includes club training camps and coaching clinics held at Brandvlei Prison, which allows inmates the opportunity to play rugby and speak one-on-one with SK-Walmers players as a reward for good behaviour.

A large component of the club’s outreach programme involves players visiting schools in the community to talk about the benefits of sport and how rugby has changed their lives. Sport teaches life skills like physical and mental discipline, conflict resolution and how to overcome adversity. Rugby provides youths with a positive, alternative outlet for their energy in communities where substance abuse and gangsterism are rife.

Fusion SA Support Services Executive, Robyn Smith, explained the company’s involvement with SK-Walmers, “We believe in seeing people as a whole – mind, body and soul. Sport is an excellent way of uplifting young people, giving them opportunities they might not have had otherwise, as well as supporting a national sport that has done much to unite our communities and nation.”