Cool Runnings Charity Drive begins at Brightwater Commons

The two men started their nine-day journey at Brightwater Commons in Randburg on 14 January 2012.

The public is being called upon to support this initiative by spreading the word and donating funds to the Cool Runnings Charity Drive. The direct beneficiaries will be The Sunflower Fund who treat and care for South Africans diagnosed with leukaemia and other life-threatening blood disorders. The Sunflower Fund gives cancer-sufferers the chance of life irrespective of their race and financial circumstances.

The Cool Runnings Tri team will go the distance by cycling 90 km, running 21.1 km and swimming 1.9 km each of the nine days, the equivalent of half an Ironman race per day. They will then complete the Ironman South Africa event for The Sunflower Fund in East London on 22 January, where they wish to gain maximum exposure for the charity with the assistance of race organisers and sponsors.

A life lost due to a lack of funds

"We see ourselves as average Joe's who are by no means career athletes but rather multi-sportsmen who are passionate about keeping fit and healthy while enjoying the outdoors and supporting our chosen charity," says Gouveris, whose sister Tina lost her life due to lack of funds and knowledge around the blood disorder she had. "Her last days were spent at the Constantiaberg Medi-Clinic in Cape Town where she was admitted to the Sunflower Ward. She was very passionate about the fund and so we decided to support the charity to continue her legacy," explains Gouveris.

The Sunflower Fund aims to educate and recruit bone marrow stem cell donors who are ethnically diverse, in an effort to save the lives of those suffering from life-threatening blood disorders. It also strives to maintain the associated donor records of the South African Bone Marrow Registry.

More support is needed

This initiative requires sponsors for the equipment, accommodation and meals on the way down and while the drive has garnered support there is still room for more assistance. Their journey will be mapped out ahead of time with rest stops, sleeping arrangements and opportunities to bring awareness to The Sunflower Fund.

Both Roux and Gouveris are well prepared for the gruelling journey, having competed in marathons and ultra-marathons, including the Comrades as well as cycling challenges such as the 94.7 and Argus races. Roux has two Half Ironman 70.3 events under his belt and both men have been involved in Olympic distance triathlons.

To find out more the public can contact Joff Gouveris on moc.zibbewm@pnpffoj or go to their Facebook Group called CoolRunningsTri.