Ronwen Williams returns to Gelvandale to bring hope

This is part of William’s R30 Foundation’s programmes to give back to his community, with the tournament taking place at his former school---Gelvandale Primary School.

The Foundation was launched last year, but this is the biggest event they have staged since its formation, and Williams’ heart is full to see something he’s dreamt about being realised.

"Yeah, I'm just happy, excited, I'm over the moon that 20 years later I've come back and helping out my community, helping out the schools in the Northern areas and just trying to give back and instil hope. I'm just glad that the foundation has finally been launched, it's years and years of preparation, talk, discussions, so I'm just glad that it's finally off the ground and running," Williams said.

"For the longest part, I think since 2020 but then Covid happened and then it gave me more time to prepare and gain valuable knowledge and speak to the relevant people. We wanted it to be on Youth Day you know because that's what we are about, we want to inspire the kids and I thought there's no better day than today and tomorrow, the 16th of June.

“I'm just glad that it finally happened. I remember two years ago, I had a youth day event but now with the foundation it's amazing and the people that's involved this time around, they were so key in making it a success."

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The theme of R30 Foundation is “Dreams Are Valid,” and that is exactly the dream that took Williams to SuperSport United academy back in 2003 after they had spotted him during a Lovelife schools tournament in Durban.

The 32-year-old speaks about the importance of returning to his former primary school.

"Yeah, I mean I'm so glad like I told the kids, 20 years ago I was the one sitting there listening to Alviro Peterson speak., encouraging us to make it and now 20 years later it's my turn to give back and share my experience and my knowledge. To give them that hope that it is possible because where we come from, it is difficult and it's tough but I want them to know that it is possible and your dreams are valid."