SuperSport Celebrates Human Spirit as Real World Champions Series Returns With Inspiring Stories

SuperSport's celebrated 'Real World Champions' campaign is back with a new season of inspiring stories, starting off with professional boxer and activist Simangele "Smash" Hadebe. The series shines a spotlight on ordinary South Africans who are making an extraordinary impact. This powerful series goes beyond traditional sports headlines, focusing on the indomitable human spirit conquering real-world challenges and making a profound impact on people's lives, says SuperSport.

The campaign kicks off with a new three-episode video series, adds the broadcaster. The first episode, which launched on Friday, 8 August, features the incredible journey of Simangele "Smash" Hadebe, a premier professional boxer and a passionate activist against gender-based violence. Her story of overcoming a challenging past to become a household name and a successful entrepreneur is nothing short of riveting. Smash's story of triumph over unimaginable adversity is beautifully told in her 'Real World Champions' episode, says the broadcaster.

Following Smash, the series will spotlight other inspirational figures: Nathi "Mr. NT" Ngwenya, a dynamic dancer and philanthropist, as well as Ipeleng "Crazy Legs" Khunou, a truly inspirational marathon runner. These are the boundary-breakers and quiet heroes making a real impact in their lives and their communities, adds the broadcaster. 'Real World Champions' is a cornerstone of SuperSport's bold and disruptive, 'In What World?' campaign, says the broadcaster. This initiative challenges viewers and athletes alike to push past perceived limits, celebrating transcendent moments that redefine the essence of sport.

"'In What World?' does Africa's biggest sports broadcaster champion unsung heroes in our communities?" the campaign asks, highlighting SuperSport's commitment to telling every story with conviction. The answer is, "Your World of Champions", adds the broadcaster.

The inaugural season of 'Real World Champions', launched in 2024, showcased the profound power of these stories.  The campaign helped highlight the careers of individuals like Johann Meintjes, a photographer who uses a wheelchair, and secured significant support for the Mitchell's Plain Golf Club, known as "the golf club without a course", which is now on track for a half-course development, says the broadcaster. Other champions such as Ricollin Moodley, a lipstick painter, have partnered with premium brands, while contributions were made to the fundraising of surfer Paul “Chow” Sampson and media coverage was secured for World 8 Ball champion Tasneem Solomons, adds the broadcaster.

"It gives us immense joy to resume the 'Real World Champions' initiative, especially as we celebrate 30 years of being 'Your World of Champions'," says SuperSport CEO, Rendani Ramovha. "The success of the first cohort of champions was the added motivation to continue to highlight South Africans from all walks of life. 'Being a Champion' is not only about what is achieved in the ring or on the field — it's also about the impact you make on others. The 'Real World Champions' campaign undoubtedly encapsulates this." Ramovha adds that the series is, "unique in its ability to pull at one's heartstrings and simultaneously encourage one to do good in their community," and that it, "unites in reminding us all of the power of sports to heal and uplift our society, making it a vital staple of our work at SuperSport." New episodes will premiere monthly on SuperSport's YouTube channel and will also be broadcast on various SuperSport channels. South Africans are encouraged to identify and share stories of 'Real World Champions' within their communities. Individuals are encouraged to submit their 'Real World Champion(s)' for consideration, by sending an email to [email protected] detailing in no longer than 500 words why their proposed candidate deserves to be profiled by SuperSport.

For more information, visit www.supersport.co.za. You can also follow SuperSport on Facebook, X, or on Instagram.

*Image courtesy of Facebook