Fishing for Siya

We (Warwick English and Peter Fenyves) are taking part in a charity fishing competition next weekend in aid of the Siya Kolisi Foundation (https://kolisifoundation.org/ [kolisifoundation.org]).

For those that don’t know Siya’s story:

Siya’s Story

Siya Kolisi was born to a 16 year old mother in the impoverished township of Zwide (see photos). He was raised by his grandmother Nolulamile from birth. His mother died when he was 12. He slept on a bed of cushions on the living room floor throughout his childhood, and spent much of his day playing with bricks and in dirt.

Kolisi started playing rugby on dirt fields, with no shoes where the thorny ground proved problematic and painful. He practiced in boxer shorts, his parents were migrant labourers working on minimum wage. At 12-years-old, he was spotted playing rugby and was offered a full scholarship to a predominantly white all boys school in Port Elizabeth. This was a turning point in his life as he was offered an opportunity that few in his position were.

Siya Kolisi has now become a hero to many. In 2018, he made history as the first black man to be appointed test captain of the South African rugby team. In 2019, Siya Kolisi led his team to Rugby World Cup victory in Japan, returning South Africa to the top of the world rankings for the first time in 10 years. Talking post-World Cup win Kolisi said, “I never dreamed of a day like this at all. When I was a kid all I was thinking about was getting my next meal.”

The Competition

The fishing competition is looking to raise money which will be donated (100%) to Siya’s Foundation. The team which raises the most for the charity wins a voucher for 2 to Pete’s Place in Sai Ying Pun for 2x 450g Wagyu steak dinner. The fishing team that wins gets a case of wine for their sponsors / ‘investors’ ;)

We will be fishing in Yuen Long up in the New Territories and specifically for Pacu and the odd Piranah. Prizes will be awarded for biggest fish and largest overall haul.

If our team raises the most and we win the dinner, there will be a lucky draw for all that donated for the voucher (and I will exclude myself). If we win the competition the wine will also be a lucky draw prize.

Donations can range from HK$1 – infinity. HK$ goes very far in South Africa. Please let me know if you would like to donate in cash or via this page. Donations end Friday, 26 June.

Speaking on his foundation, Siya said: “My dream is to provide more opportunities for our youth to realise that whether they live in the suburbs or a township, they can be anyone they want to be”.

Thank you all in advance.