Described as "the girl who can’t walk without crutches, but can make horses dance", Nicole Sanders, who has Cerebral Palsy (Spastic Diplegia), has certainly made her mark in the equestrian sporting arena over the past eight years.  

Unlike her fellow international competitors who have the time and resources to train three hours a day, six days a week, Nicole has achieved huge success as a dressage competitor through sheer determination and a burning ambition to fulfil her dream of competing for South Africa in the Paralympic Games in Brazil in 2016.  

Whilst Nicole has proved that she is more than capable of competing at the highest level and against some of the world’s leading dressage champions, she has done this on borrowed horses and with a mere 45 minutes per week of training at SARDA (South African Riding for the Disabled), Cape Town. This alone is testament to her exceptional ability as a dressage rider and her remarkable resilience despite the obstacles put in her way.  

Sadly, however, without the necessary financial backing, Nicole is unlikely to achieve her dream of competing in the Paralympics 2016 and making South Africa proud.   It was in March 2014 that ex-South African cricketer, Brett Schultz, and his partner, Georgina Swain, first came across Nicole Sanders. They were undertaking a site visit to SARDA, the charity for which they would be cycling the 2014 Cape Argus Pick n Pay Momentum Cycle Tour. Nicole was training in their indoor arena at the time, under the expert guidance of SARDA’s senior instructor, Teri Smith.  

“Whilst Nicole was achieving exceptional results in dressage arenas across the world, we were told that, through insufficient funding and limited access to training, time was running out for her to realize her South African dream,” Brett explains. “The commitment and dedication that Nicole has shown to her sports discipline is hugely commendable. As an able-bodied sportsman in my day, I can only but respect her passion and drive. We decided there and then to do something to help keep her dream alive.”  

And so it was through this Pre-Argus conversation at SARDA, and subsequently the generosity of sponsors Eurolux and Econorisk (for which Brett is a director), as well as the kind support of SARDA, Craig Hinds of Watershed and restaurateur, Mike Lumb, that Nicole’s “Journey to the Paralympics 2016” fundraising campaign came alive.     

On Sunday 20 July 2014, the campaign will commence when top SA band, Watershed, takes to the stage for an intimate food, wine and music experience. The lunchtime event will take place at B.B.Ques, a rustic converted cellar next door to celebrated restaurant, Simon’s, situated on the picturesque Groot Constantia Wine Estate.  

The fundraiser will be open to no more than 150 guests, with tickets costing R600 per person. Guests will be treated to farm-to-table style gastrofare consisting of a traditional Cape winelands lunch, including hearty stews and soups, and artisan breads – all served barn-yard style, coupled with some of the best music South Africa has to offer, a blazing log fire and exceptional wines sourced from the local Constantia Valley wine region.  

Eurolux is a longtime supporter of SARDA. “Through our involvement with SARDA we’ve learned of the therapeutic importance of riding for the disabled. The motion of riding helps the movement of the disabled person, giving them a sense of freedom in a world of constraints,” says Shaun Bouchier, director at Eurolux. “This cause has become close to our hearts. Nicole epitomizes the strength and determination of these riders and she’s given all she can to fulfil her dreams. Now it’s up to us to help her go the distance – not for her sake alone, but for that of the entire disabled riding community.”  

Brett concludes: “Nicole has demonstrated an unwavering commitment to achieving her goals, even when all the odds may have seemed stacked against her. On behalf of the sponsors and supporters of this event, we are delighted to play our small part in assisting Nicole on her journey to the Paralympics 2016.”  

For ticket availability and to book, email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. Please note, tickets are limited to 150 people only and allocated on a first come, first served basis.   

- Ends -  

Notes to the Editor  

Press enquiries contact:  

Georgina Swain: Email:   This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. Mobile: 076 349 4065  

Brett Schultz Email:   This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. Mobile:  082 334 4556  

Personal statement from Nicole Sanders:   “I have achieved my goals to date on borrowed horses.  I ride for 45 minutes once a week on a borrowed horse at SARDA (South African riding for the disabled Association).  All my competitions have been self-funded and more often than not I have 15-45 minutes on a borrowed horse and then go out and compete on them.  This is one thing I truly love and know I am good at and would love to be given the opportunity to be able to show what I am worth.  My competitors are all sponsored and as such have the chance to compete locally on their own horses and internationally have the chance to go over long before the time to train on a horse.  I do not come from a high-income background nor well-paying jobs but I am hard working and determined to achieve my goals.”  

About the sponsors:  

Eurolux
Since its inception in 1991, Eurolux has been a trendsetter within the lighting industry, with its finger on the pulse of international innovation and style. We are a locally grown company that always seeks to bring the latest quality designs to the South African consumer; a company that understands that the lighting you select makes a statement about you and your style. For more information, visit www.eurolux.co.za  

Econorisk
Econorisk is a leading independent insurance broking business focusing on commercial and corporate insurance and providing speciality and niche insurance and risk management solutions to companies. The company has also developed expertise in domestic insurance especially to high net-worth individuals. For more information, visit www.econorisk.co.za  

Event supported by:  

South African Riding for the Disabled Association (SARDA)
SARDA aims to deliver free horse riding lessons to all disabled riders as part of their school curriculum. Riding for the Disabled is a specialised activity and cannot be provided by ‘ordinary’ riding schools. It requires dedicated and knowledgeable people to handle horse riding with disabled pupils. Instructors and helpers must have insight into the nature of each rider’s individual problems and needs, and must also have knowledge of horse riding. SARDA’s instructors are all specially qualified, having passed a range of examinations covering a sound knowledge of the many disabilities encountered plus tuition, horsemanship and risk management. Fun and recreation are also important components of the lessons, but all riders are taught to ride to the best of their ability. Instructors work in close co-operation with physiotherapists, occupational therapists, remedial teachers and doctors to ensure that each rider receives the maximum benefit. Reports received from professionals at the various schools and centres testify to the important role SARDA plays in all aspects of the riders’ mental, physical and social lives as well as their rehabilitation. The Cape Town centre is fortunate to have approximately 150 volunteers who serve in various capacities: riding instructors, physiotherapists, occupational therapists, and most importantly the helpers, who assist and support the rider in a good posture during the lesson, and also help to control the horse and keep the rider safe during the ride, and as members of the fundraising and management committees. This community involvement and co-operation is a special part of SARDA’s make-up and both riders and volunteers benefit from the communication and friendships which develop. SOME BENEFITS OF THERAPEUTIC HORSERIDING: • improves balance & posture • develops eye-hand co-ordination • develops fine and gross motor skills • offers sensory stimulation through activity & surroundings • teaches sequencing of actions • builds self-confidence & esteem • improves memory & concentration • develops language & communication skills • teaches the value of safety rules & discipline • allows contact with animals & understanding of their welfare. For more information, visit http://sarda.co.za/  

Watershed
Watershed is one of the most popular export products the Rainbow Nation has on offer. Since their early beginnings in 1999, Watershed have delivered three previous albums (“In the Meantime” [2000], “Wrapped in Stone” [2003], “Mosaic” [2005]), of which one went Gold and two made Platinum. Each released single turned into a hit and dominated South African as well as European charts. Their single “Indigo Girl” was even recorded in Mandarin for the Chinese music scene. Their latest album, “Staring at the Ceiling,” has effortlessly joined the success of its predecessors. So far, all three single releases from this fourth album, (“Breathing”, “Train Ride” and “Future Sunshine”), went instantaneously Top Ten in the SA Airplay Charts. Plus: it earned Watershed an appearance in the music bible, the US magazine Rolling Stone, which refers to Watershed’s sound as “feel-good, Mid-Western acoustic rock…”  For more information, visit www.watershed.co.za  

Simon’s - B.B.Ques
Nestled in the fertile Constantia Valley lies a 300-year old wine estate, Groot Constantia and on it, Simon’s restaurant, where we celebrate the riches of the Cape winelands by transforming the freshest ingredients into memorable meals. Revel in the Cape Town summer by dining al fresco on our terrace with panoramic views of the Groot Constantia vineyards. Savour the wines of the valley or enjoy our wide selection of craft beers. As the weather turns, join us inside where we like to light a giant fire on chilly days.

For more information, visit www.simons.co.za and www.bbques.co.za