Return on Investment
Like many, this weekend saw me glued to my laptop watching SA champs deliver nail biting finishes and results that made me proud to be a Jeppe Old Boy.
The rise of Jeppe Rowing over the past years has been nothing short of astonishing and it’s difficult to believe that only a few seasons ago, the club was hard pressed to enter crews into any race with confidence of even finishing the race. It must be said that this was not due to the resolve of the crews themselves but rather the lack of race worthy equipment putting Jeppe Rowing in a dire situation.
Fast track to Jeppe coming second overall in this year’s SA Schools Championships and the question that must be asked is, ‘what’s changed’?
My personal thought is that this is down to investment. Investment in people is paramount and throughout the years, this has been constant with the school and club investing in coaches, coaches investing in the oarsmen both as individuals and crews, and parents investing their time and money into their boys.
A key area of investment that was struggling was the need for good equipment for all age groups.
The old boy community have risen to address this, helping make it possible for Jeppe as a government school to achieve second place at SA champs. The significance of this for the school and indeed the sport cannot be overstated.
Having achieved these results, we cannot not sit back and think that the job is done, the need for financial support will always be there. Jeppe Boats and Blades is a means through which you can invest in equipment to ensure Jeppe Rowing continues to flourish.
I am pleased to announce that the results of the weekend we have already prompted a response and we have received the R2,000 needed to pay off a pair. We felt it a fitting tribute that the U19 boys finishing this year should name the boat. We still need R70k to pay off what we have already purchased, and all contributions are welcome. Section 18A tax certs are available to those who require these.
To find out about the “Adopt a Boat” scheme and other ways to contribute please do get in touch with us.
Thanks
Greg
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Couldn’t agree more. And I continue to be amazed, intrigued and proud at the role Jeppe and Jeppe rowing plays in the greater community. It is not only the success of the club on the water, but how those touched by the club (beyond just Old Boys – the greater family) go out and contribute further. From Dr. Thomlinson sharing out the initial funds, to Allie and all he did to Fritz & Lamorna and their community spirit to help out Germiston boys when their club was battling (and the many more) and then now the amazing coaches, coaching and mentoring other kids around the country. I am so thankful Dave Shapcott made such an impression on me that I decided to get on a bus to Wemmer to give this funny sport a go.