Kung Fu master Muhammad Junaid Chafeker, aka MJ Li, and a host of fellow sportsmen have launched an initiative to coach disadvantaged children from around the world.
Ithemba SA Sport For Hope was launched on Wednesday and the five-time Legends of Kung Fu World Martial Arts Championship gold medallist told the Daily Voice the initiative will see local athletes using sport to inspire the youth.
The team, who will be offering their time and expertise free of charge, include MJ Li, footballer Nathan Paulse, cricketer Qasim Adams, provincial cricket coach Nadeem Ahmed, 7s rugby player Shuaib Samaai and long distance runner, Kamil Suleiman.
MJ Li says: “The first chapter will be dedicated to Palestine, where the sportsmen will undertake an official visit to the occupied territories in the next four months to interact with Palestinian youth, Muslim and Christian, and engage with them through sports camps by introducing them to Kung Fu cricket, rugby and football.”
MJ adds: “The SA delegation intends visiting schools, churches, Masjid Ul Aqsa and also interact with Palestinian sportsmen on the trip.
“#SASPORT4HOPE believes that this will also show their solidarity with Palestine in the nation's rightful quest for freedom and liberation.”
In South Africa, the group will be working with underprivileged youth from the first week of December in Cape Town, and this will be ongoing.
Runner Kamil Suleiman, says he is thrilled to be part of the initiative: “I get to exercise my passion for running and use the platform to support charitable causes, specifically I have been running with a Palestinian flag to show support for Palestine."