Gary Rieger, owner and founder of Rieger Hire in Gonubie, further cemented a decades-long partnership on Monday when he donated a number of rugby and soccer balls to the Mzamomhle-based Sea Birds rugby team.
Rieger has been sponsoring the team for the nearly 40 years.
Over the years, Rieger has provided the team with uniforms and equipment, even sponsoring tournaments.
In 2019, he sent the team to Cape Town to take part in a rugby tournament, where the Sea Birds came second overall.
“We do quite a lot for the community — we’re always there to help,” Rieger said.
He said sport was important for local communities since it provided opportunities and kept the youth occupied.
“I believe keeping them busy stops the nonsense that goes on,” he said.
Sea Birds member Andile Dambile said they were greatful for all the support Rieger had given them over the years.
“He’s been there for us all the way. This man [Rieger] has been our source of everything,” he said.
Dambile said that Rieger was busy helping to fence off a rugby field in Mzamomhle for the team.
Picture: MATTHEW FIELD
