BACKGROUND/CONTEXT:
A video on Arshay Cooper’s 2023 visit to Cape Town (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aZDb91Mp9qI) and https://youtu.be/hvOOX55XBEk?si=WHUQ0axbihL7OYSo
More information on booking details and Cooper’s support for South African rowing is available on https://mailchi.mp/5333031fd3d9/your-support-a-most-beautiful-thing-jhb-cpt-help-us-fill-the-theatres?e=5b2b9e3e7c
Captain of America’s first all-black high school rowing team set to inspire more South African youth
Arshay Cooper – celebrated American rower, award-winning author and advocate for inclusion in sports – is hoping to inspire both rowers and non-rowers when he visits South Africa in a few weeks’ time.
Cooper’s visit in mid-November follows personal invitations from several Gauteng-based rowing clubs, the CCRC/Lawhill ‘Learn to Row’ programme and University of the Western Cape (UWC) Rowing.
Says Cooper: ‘My time spent with talented youth in Cape Town during my first visit to Africa last year, left a profound impression on me and I wanted to return to see more of the country and engage with more young people?’
According to Debbie Owen, Programme Head at the Lawhill Maritime Centre, ‘Lawhill’s grade 10-12 maritime students were deeply inspired by Mr Cooper’s profound and personal story of how the sport of rowing helped him overcome significant challenges while growing up in one of Chicago’s poorest and most dangerous communities.
‘His upbringing is one that resonated with our students, the majority of whom come from underserved communities across South Africa. By sharing his story, Cooper gave young South Africans hope and inspiration to overcome adversity and change their futures.’
Cooper is due to visit the Soweto Rowing Club on Sunday afternoon, November 17, 2024. He will also host and speak at three exclusive screenings of his award-winning documentary, A Most Beautiful Thing. Screening dates are:
- Monday, November 18, 2024, at Nu Metro Hyde Park, Johannesburg, 18:00 and 18H30
- Thursday, November 21, 2024, at the Labia Theatre, Cape Town, 18:00
Tickets for this special, one-night-only screening are available via Webtickets.
SA Youth Impresses
Impressed by the youth of South Africa and the rowing talent he encountered at Lawhill and UWC, Cooper mobilised rowing equipment specialist, Concept2, to help grow what he calls ‘the meditative sport of rowing’ by donating much-needed sports equipment to both organisations.
In addition, he invited three talented South African rowers – Thobeka Mavundla, Athabile Msindo and Curtley van Wyk – to join him in the USA for an annual rowing camp hosted by his foundation, A Most Beautiful Thing Inclusion Fund (AMBIF). This gave the three young South African rowers the opportunity to compete against top rowers from the USA, UK and Bahamas.
When he visits Cape Town mid-November, Cooper will participate in several community engagements, including one in Khayelitsha, where he will spend his time with like-minded organisations that use sport to drive societal change. He will also attend and speak at the annual Lawhill Maritime Centre Awards.
Cooper’s visit to South Africa last year inspired him to write a new book, which is set to be officially launched in October 2025 by publisher, Harper Collins.
Bunker Partner, a Singapore-based energy company that focuses on innovative solutions for the maritime industry, has provided funding for this trip. As part of its community outreach projects, the Tintswalo Collection will host Cooper at Tintswalo Boulders in Simon’s Town, recently recognised by Fodor’s Travel as one of the top 100 hotels in the world. Additional support is also being provided by KFC and the American Consulate in Pretoria and Cape Town.
Ends
About Arshay Cooper
Arshay Cooper is a distinguished rower and author known for his advocacy for diversity in sports. As a captain of the first African American high school rowing team in the USA, he authored the award-winning memoir A Most Beautiful Thing, which inspired a documentary. Cooper founded AMBIF to provide rowing opportunities for marginalised youth. More information can be found on his website at www.arshaycooper.com.
About the Lawhill Maritime Centre and its rowing program
The Lawhill Maritime Centre, based at Simon’s Town School, offers its grade 10 to 12 maritime students a specialist, industry-focused education which includes the opportunity to participate in a Learn to Row programme provided in association with the Cape Coastal Rowing Club (CCRC). For inquiries, contact Lawhill Maritime Centre on info@lawhill.org or visit www.lawhill.org or @LawhillMaritime on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.
About Bunker Partner
Bunker Partner is a Singapore-based energy company focused on innovative solutions for the maritime industry. Committed to corporate social responsibility, the company supports educational and community initiatives, aligning with Cooper’s mission in South Africa. Visit www.bunkerpartner.com.
About Tintswalo Boulders
Tintswalo Boulders was named one of the Best 100 Hotels in the World in the prestigious line-up of Fodor’s Finest Hotels 2025. With unobstructed views across Boulders Beach and its world-famous resident colony of critically endangered African penguins, it boasts a unique beachfront location. Known for its commitment to sustainability, Tintswalo Boulders is proud to sponsor Arshay Cooper’s accommodation during his visit. www.tintswalo.com/boulders/villa/ @Tintswalolodges
For all Media and Press information relating to Arshay Cooper’s visit contact:
Debbie Owen, Programme Head, Lawhill Maritime Centre, Email: d.owen@lawhill.org, Mobile: +27 82 387 6058 (WHATSAPP please)