About Atlas South Africa

ABOUT RUGBY CHAMPIONS PROJECTS EVENTS DONATE GALLERY

Atlas South Africa was founded in 2018 after a successful Atlas Trek to Botswana and Zimbabwe attended by South African Rugby Champions. Since then two successful rides in the Cape Town Cycling Tour have supported Atlas's work in the townships and poorest rural communities, bringing new hope to children through the power of rugby.

History

The Atlas Foundation was founded by England and British Lions legend, Jason Leonard OBE, to harness the power of the global rugby family and tackle the big issues facing vulnerable young people around the world.

Today ATLAS works across 16 countries, empowering 53 456 young people. All our projects are centered around rugby and education, developing the tools and support networks to lift themselves and their communities out of poverty.

ATLAS All Schools South Africa

In 2019 we officially launched the ATLAS All Schools programme in South Africa. This proven model combats crime, inequality and discrimination. It creates resilient, honest, capable young people who attend and achieve at school, and who are willing and able to help themselves and others.

Team

The Atlas South Africa Team

Jason Leonard OBE

Atlas SA Trustee

Former England prop, appeared for England 114 times plus 5 times for the British and Irish Lions, and won the 2003 Rugby World Cup. He was President of the RFU in 2015 and hosted the Rugby World Cup in England. As well as having a busy and successful corporate career, he is a prolific supporter of charities and has raised over £2M through his annual dinners for a number of rugby, youth and health charities. Jason founded Atlas and remains Chairman of the Board of Trustees.

John Le Roux

Atlas SA Trustee

John grew up in Rondebosch and matriculated at Rondebosch High School. He did a BCom Hons at UCT and became a CA. He played lots of enjoyable rugby at UCT from 1965 – 1971 and played for False Bay Rugby Club thereafter.

He also played for Western Province and Gazelles. John still has rugby involvement with UCT, Rondebosch High School, Masiphumelele Rugby Club and Atlas Foundation.

He was also a founding director in 1980 of Personal Trust (Pty) Ltd, a small financial and investment services company, where he still works and is currently a Director and Chairman.

Sue Anderson

Atlas SA Trustee

The Atlas office is led by Sue Anderson, who is instrumental in placing the spotlight firmly on the Foundation and spearheading fundraising initiatives with the SA rugby-loving corporate and business community. Sue is well versed to direct the collaborative power that stems from the exceptional rugby ‘brotherhood’ of giving back, mentorship and friendship.

Latest

Esther's Story

On #InternationalDayforSportforDevelopmentandPeace we are celebrating Esther at Bhubesi Pride Foundation who is helping girls in Malawi overcome the challenges of menstrual poverty. Read Esther's Story to learn how BPF supports girls like Esther through sport and education.
TackleLondon 11th April Donations Welcome

You are making a positive difference through sports mentoring and making Young Londoners part of the "Rugby Family" and giving them a "Rugby Home" where they can feel confident, grow and prosper. Young people need help, now more than ever.
Ballarat Marathon - Tony Faneco

About a year ago my mate @Ben Nicholson suggested we run the London marathon to recognise that 5 years have passed since Anita, Annabel and Alex ⭐️⭐️⭐️ were taken from us.

In their memory I aim to raise as much money as I can for The Atlas Foundation whose projects support children and give them the opportunity to thrive through rugby communities and initiatives.
Empowering young people at the Urban Rugby Championships!

Over 230 kids from minority and under-resourced communities across America came together for the 2024 Urban Rugby Championships in Washington DC. The URC is an incredible opportunity for these kids and shows the transformative impact rugby has in empowering and inspiring disadvantaged young people!

Our Vision
Anita, Alex & Annabel Nicholson Memorial Fund

Set up by Ben Nicholson in memory of his wife Anita and their two children Alex and Annabel who tragically lost their lives in the Sri Lanka bombings on Easter Sunday 2019.
Our Story

Don't need summary
England Deaf Rugby Union

EDRU was set up by a group of deaf sports enthusiasts with the purpose of promoting the playing of rugby union by deaf and hard of hearing players.
Richmond Heavies Foundation Presents ‘A Series of Extraordinary Events’

The Richmond Heavies Foundation are organising A Series Of Extraordinary Events around the world, which include extraordinary superhuman challenges as well as achievable social activities, allowing all to get involved. All monies raised will go to the Richmond Heavies Foundation, which was founded after Richmond Rugby lost 3 very special friends, far too early.
Ed Cooper Memorial Fund

Ed was a big personality who lived life to the full, was loved dearly by his family and friends, and is missed hugely by all who knew him. He was a talented sportsman who enjoyed playing both codes of rugby and cricket. Following Ed’s death in 2016, this Memorial Fund was established to honour his memory.
The Atlas Foundation
Atlas South Africa

Atlas South Africa was founded in 2018 after a successful Atlas Trek to Botswana and Zimbabwe, attended by South African Rugby Champions. Since then, six projects across 3 southern African countries have guided 49,437 children through education, mentoring, health, and employment opportunities for their future.
The Ian Williams Foundation Fund

Weʼre raising £50,000 to contribute to causes close to Ian Michael Williams' heart, keeping his legacy alive and continuing his impact on the world.
Atlas Asia

The Nicholson Memorial Fund was set up by Ben Nicholson in memory of his wife Anita and their two children Alex and Annabel who tragically lost their lives in the Sri Lanka bombings on Easter Sunday 2019. With the help of Ben Nicholson, a fitting legacy has been created in the establishment and work of 'Atlas Asia'.