SARDA enjoys Right Royal donation

SARDA enjoys Right Royal donation



From left: SARDA volunteers along with Gold Circle's Event Marketing Manager Ken Tweddell, Vodacom KZN Executive Head of Operations Vikesh Singh and Open Air School students Nidah Mulla (horse left) and Dominic Govendesamy dressed to this year’s theme "A Right Royal Affair" celebrate the donation handover from the Vodacom Durban July.

Durban – A chilly morning in Summerveld played host to the annual handover of R40 000 to the KZN Chapter of South African Riding for the Disabled (SARDA) from the Vodacom Durban July.

The 2010 Vodacom Durban July provided a cash donation of R40 000 to SARDA's KZN chapter, made up of R30 000 from Vodacom and R10 000 from Gold Circle, to assist them in meeting the needs of handicapped children at their horse riding motion therapy facilities in Summerveld.

“Without the support from Vodacom and Gold Circle we would not have been able to focus on our project of putting a cover over our riding arena, which has made the most amazing difference to our centre,” said Tracey Cumming, who heads up the KZN SARDA chapter.

SARDA is a non-profit organisation run entirely by volunteers who have been trained in horse riding motion therapy. The specialised therapy they provide for children with both mental and physical challenges has shown impressive results, dramatically improving the posture and muscle tone in each child which enhances their overall movements as well as becoming a form of relaxation and stress relief.

Horses move in a three dimensional pattern and in a rhythmic, repetitive manner, which facilitates a multitude of postural corrections for the rider which will improve trunk control, balance and co-ordination.

With the KZN Chapter now boasting a volunteer base of 25 to 30 strong the facility has the opportunity to take on a wider range of cases seeking treatment, such as selective mutes and the like.

In this such case the young student has shown promising development after just three sessions, as she begins to show signs of communicating outside of her secure home environment. “Horses are non-judgemental, so there’s no reason why someone wouldn’t feel comfortable enough to communicate around them,” said Cumming.
“We like to take on a variety of cases as we have seen some heart-warming developments taking place over the years on these grounds,” she added.

“We are proud to be associated with SARDA as they change the lives of so many differently-abled children. Community empowerment is one of Vodacom’s core concerns, and this has been embodied in our new slogan - “Power to You,” said Vodacom KZN Managing Executive, Alberts Breed.

SARDA students can now also enjoy the recently completed cover over their main riding arena. “No cancelled riding or training sessions, cooler in the heat and dry in the rain, but still with the feeling of being outdoors!” said an excited Cumming.

Ken Tweddell, Event Marketing Manager of Gold Circle said, “I was blown away when I saw the new SARDA covered arena which enables the youngsters to receive therapy no matter the weather conditions. It is heartening when you realise that an association that you support is making such strong progress for the benefit of these deserving youngsters.

Local supporters of the KZN Chapter can now look forward to their first Charity Night Race to be held at Greyville Racecourse on Tuesday, 1 November 2011. “This raceday is another first for us at SARDA!” said Cummings, who has high hopes for raising more funds for their facility that she holds so close to her heart.
SARDA can be contacted through Tracey Cummings on ridgetop@mweb.co.za.

The 115th running of the Vodacom Durban July takes place at Greyville Racecourse on Saturday 2 July. More information can be found at www.vodacomdurbanjuly.co.za

Well done to Vodacom and Gold Circle (tu)