The Players’ Fund Project Hero sponsored by Canon SA is a visual documentary of five rugby players in South Africa whose lives were changed by serious injuries on the field whilst playing at different levels of the game. Their stories of determination, hope, dignity and the strength of the human spirit, illustrate heroic qualities which inspire and showcase the impact that the Players’ Fund has on their lives. In order to continue playing the role of Rugby’s Caring Hands, the Players’ Fund appeals to the rugby-loving public to see their faces, hear their stories and choose this worthy cause for charitable giving.
Amos Mzimeli – It’s been almost 30 years since Amos Mzimeli suffered a serious injury at the age of 18 while playing flank for his school rugby team in Mooiplaas outside East London, where a bad tackle left him paralysed.
Coming from a small rural community, he struggled to return to school and his focus was one of adapting to life in a wheelchair.
Amos who is now 46 years old is married, has three children, and runs a centre for disabled people in his community, a far cry from the early days he endured.
Amos’ strong character and determination to lead a happy and independent life has carried him to where he is today. Although he could not return to school, he completed a diploma in computer literacy with flying colours and has been able to generate an income for himself as a result.
Not satisfied with relying solely on a government disability grant or subsistence from The Players’ Fund, Amos has since taken on numerous projects over the years that have helped keep him busy and motivated.
His latest project is the establishment of a community centre in his home village of Soto, near Haga Haga in the Eastern Cape. The centre provides a safe and positive environment for over 100 disabled people from the surrounding communities. There Amos and his team teach beadwork and craft and beautiful pieces are created to be sold to generate income for the centre.
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