Shimlas Keep Aggro on Field
Eleven FNB Shimlas rugby stars went to help out at the Tshepong Victim Support Centre at the Domestic Violence Courts in Bloemfontein this week.
The Shimlas spent Tuesday morning sweeping the terrain, washing the windows and painting the women's restroom at the Tshepong Support Centre. This was done as their initiative for the FNB Varsity Cup Keep the Agro on the Field campaign, making audiences aware of violence against women.
The Tshepong Support Centre is part of the Domestic Violence Courts in Bloemfontein. These courts are used for hearings regarding domestic violence and it is here that women and children get interdicts against their abusers.
Busisiwe Moabi, a senior official at the courts, said that the fact that the Shimlas came to help out at the support centre had an impact in the way that abused women view men.
"It had a big impact since the women who come to these courts could see that not all men are abusive. They might now have a different view that men might be helpful as well," Moabi said.
"The women's restroom renovations were also necessary for us. The Shimlas really helped us a lot," she added.
The shocking pink shorts worn by the Player that Rocks (the Man of the Match) during all Varsity Cup matches are doing the work of the campaign awareness. Off the field however the Shimlas are also stepping up and speaking out against women abuse.
"I feel that everyone should have a place in this world," said Shimlas scrumhalf Kevin Luiters.
"And these women have been robbed of that. We, as role models to students and rugby fans, should be examples in giving back their self-pride, their dignity and help restore them. All men should treat women preciously."
Luiters returned to training with the Shimlas this week after being in action with the SA Under-20 side. He already seems to be operating at full steam in all Shimla activities - both on or off the field.
Backline player Cameron Jacobs added to what Luiters said as he shared his views about abuse against women, saying: "Women play a big role in our lives. They do not deserve to be mistreated. That is why we stand up against abuse against women."
Loose forward Willie Britz, who is still in rehabilitation for a shoulder injury, also felt the same sense of responsibility on his - excuse the pun! - shoulders.
"People look up to rugby players as they are icons in our country. If men like that will act against abuse, so would others," Britz said.
By Stefan Lotter
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