Prof. Wim de Villiers, the Rector and Vice-Chancellor of Stellenbosch University (SU), recently participated in a panel discussion at the ISPS Sports Values Summit-Special Edition in Japan. He shared SU’s commitment to making a meaningful contribution to humanity’s progress and global relevance. Highlighting the role of sport in this vision, de Villiers emphasized the university’s alignment with Olympic and Paralympic values of Excellence, Respect, and Equity.
The summit, organized by renowned philanthropist Dr. Haruhisa Handa, gathered influential figures such as Dan Carter (former All Black rugby player), Nacho Figueras (world-class polo player), and Steve James (Invictus gold medallist). The Duke of Sussex, Prince Harry, also participated as co-founder and patron of Sentebale, discussing the transformative potential of sports and philanthropy on a global scale.
Stellenbosch University views sport as a strategic asset and integral to its value proposition, offering 31 sporting codes and world-class facilities. Prof. de Villiers emphasized the university’s commitment to social impact through Maties Sport, focusing on initiatives like school holiday programs and sports clinics. These initiatives aim to empower individuals with life skills, including resilience, courage, and self-belief, benefiting both the university community and surrounding areas.
The university has a rich history of excellence in disability and parasport, exposing learners to inclusive sports. This approach fosters diversity and broadens perspectives, echoing the values of unity and inclusivity celebrated on the global stage.
SU Choir bringing hope
Adding a unique cultural dimension to the summit, the SU Choir, led by conductor André van der Merwe, brought a message of hope and unity. The choir’s diversity and energy resonated with an international audience. Recognized as the leading mixed amateur choir globally for the past 11 years, the SU Choir embodies the essence of South Africa’s community.
During the summit, Prince Harry engaged with the choir and encouraged them to continue “sharing the love.” This heartfelt interaction culminated in a group hug, symbolizing the unity promoted by the choir’s performance.
Additionally, SU representatives met with Mr. Noriyuki Tanaka, Group Leader at Toyota Tsusho, expressing gratitude for Toyota’s support of SU projects in arts and culture. Stellenbosch University’s dedication to arts and culture aligns with Toyota’s commitment to fostering creativity and innovation.
In essence, Stellenbosch University’s participation in the ISPS Sports Values Summit underscores its global vision for positive transformation through sport and cultural expression. The university’s emphasis on values, social impact, and inclusivity resonates strongly with the global community, reaffirming its role as a catalyst for positive change on a global scale.
