South Africa is facing many development challenges. To make things worse, many development organisations are experiencing serious financial and other constraints at the moment. Philanthropist, David Barnard, is actively responding to this situation by competing in one of the world’s toughest races, the Sahara Race 2011, to raise money and awareness for NGOs at the forefront of development and community work in South Africa. Recognising the positive impact of sport and development programmes in rural and disadvantaged communities, David will use this extreme sports event to support South African sport and development NGO, SCORE.

As executive director of a public benefit organisation, SANGONeT, David interacts with NGOs using very diverse approaches to development and believes “sport is about discipline, hard work and commitment – values that we also need in the rest of our daily lives.”

Competing in the Sahara Race, David will complete a 250km course, (that’s almost a marathon a day), in the world’s hottest desert. The SANGONeT “No Pain No Gain” campaign 2011 will support the work of SCORE, Endangered Wildlife Trust (EWT), Cancer Association of South Africa (CANSA) and Starfish Greathearts Foundation.

As one of four organisations to benefit from the national campaign, David is supporting SCORE’s work in communities because he says, “I’ve seen the dedication and commitment of SCORE volunteers and trainers, and how the learners respond to them. SCORE’s work is clearly making an important contribution in the communities where it is implementing activities, and I hope that the No Pain No Gain campaign will make a positive contribution to expanding SCORE’s work.”

“David’s slogan of “No Pain No Gain” resonates with most sports people, but his race through the Sahara pushes way beyond the physical challenge, as he aims to achieve what most of us think is impossible. What makes David’s effort more amazing is that he’s doing this for others. That is extraordinary,” says Stefan Howells, executive director of SCORE. 

This year, SCORE celebrates 20 years of changing lives through sport and David’s efforts will go a long way to sustaining the work of SCORE in communities across Southern Africa.

To help SCORE continue changing lives through sport, donate to the SANGONeT “No Pain No Gain” campaign today, by making a donation at   www.givengain.com/activist/55367/projects/1333.

For more information about SCORE, refer to www.score.org.za. Alternatively, contact SCORE communications coordinator, Mel Paramasivan, at mel@score.org.za.