Weekend Argus (Saturday Edition)
Ad idas creates possibilities in sport - driven by an attitude of ‘Impossible is Nothing’
This season, adidas continues its vision to create a better future for all - this time through the lens of some of the biggest and most exciting moments on the sporting calendar.
SPRINGBOK captain Siya Kolisi spearheads the “Impossible is Nothing” campaign globally once more. At a local level, adidas reveals the stories of 15 of the most accomplished South African athletes in their fields including athletics, football, rugby, hockey, cricket, golf and gaming. “Impossible Is Nothing” is about seeing possibilities on and off the field of play; perceiving the world not as it is, but as it can be – and inspiring others to do the same.
A number of South Africa’s finest athletes and Foundation partners met at the Cape Town Stadium on Tuesday, October 5 to share anecdotes about pursuing their dreams with rebellious optimism, and encouraging the next generation to do the same.
Rugby conversation
Siya Kolisi spoke about his recently launched book Rise, as well as about the work of the Kolisi Foundation and how the national rugby team bounced back with an epic win over the All Blacks during the Rugby Championship. He shared that it was his family and his work at the Kolisi Foundation that kept him highly motivated. “I don’t think too much about my achievements, but rather what can be done on and off the field to make South Africa a better place for generations to come.”
Kolisi shared the stage with national team mate Damian Willemse, as well as national Under-18 rugby players Imad Khan, Bruce Sherwood and Suleiman Hartzenberg. The group was joined by Alexandria Joseph and Bernethea May from Eersterivier Women’s Rugby Team, who had won adidas products to the value of R30 000 courtesy of The Kolisi Founda
Paralympic and Olympic conversation
During the event, Paralympic
2020 Gold medallist, Anruné Weyers shared her inspirational Paralympic journey. “The world creates an image of perfection that we can’t all live up to. I didn’t fit that image, so I became
the girl with one arm who ran faster than everyone else. I’m honoured to do something I love, and I hope that I can inspire those who struggle to live up to the idea of ‘perfect’.”
Other panelists who joined the conversation included national hockey player Quanita Bobbs, who made her Olympic debut in Tokyo this year, and Kate Woods, a three-time Olympian and Senior Brand Director at adidas SA “Sport changes li es ” said and gives you a community to belong to. We encourage girls and women to stay in sport because of these reasons, and it’s our hope that the next generation of athletes will be inspired by what they’ve heard today.”
Football conversation
The football panel included Thulani Hlatshwayo from Orlando Pirates Football Club and media manager, Thandi Merafe as well as young football stars, Jessica Wade and Kananelo Taiwe.
Wade is 18 years old and currently in the national Under 20 squad. “I’ve refused to let any adversity stop me from fulfilling my dream, and will continue to push boundaries to see how far I can go,” she said.
Fifteen-year-old Taiwe plays in the national U17 team and is extremely focused on her goal. “No matter how hard situations are, you need to keep your head high and have faith, because you never know if your time is going to be today or tomorrow.”
Conversation about purpose
The event concluded with a conversation about “purpose”, which Estee Jardim, Brand Activation Director at adidas described as the essence of the brand. “We believe sport has the power to change lives, and we’re proud to work with Amandla, The Kolisi Foundation and the Zodwa Khoza Foundation, who all share this philosophy.”
Follow the @adidasZA #ImpossibleisNothing conversation on Instagram, share your stories or visit www.adidas.co.za for more adid