John Mc Grath grew up as a young Irish boy, dreaming of being an athlete. “I saw it as my opportunity to overcome the poverty I was subjected to and travel the world.” After pursuing martial arts and working lots of odd, awful jobs, he had the good fortune of representing his country, Ireland in the sports of Rowing and Kickboxing. he attained four black belts under the mentorship of legends such as Ji Han Jae - the same master who trained Bruce Lee.
John is now based in South Africa where he coaches Olympic champions, but his passion is to teach children from the townships who need a source of hope and strength. ”I believe it doesn’t matter where you start; it matters where you finish.
“The Irish are a giving people. We respond generously. An emergency at the other end of the earth or a tragedy or bereavement in our own community is a summons to gather around. We have deep instincts of responsibility for those in need.”
The Emerald Foundation is a non-profit organization in Paarl, South Africa (a public benefit organisation in terms of section 30 of the Income Tax Act No 58 of 1962), founded in 2018, It is a foundation where everyone feels they belong, where people are equal and thrive, where everyone has a voice. The Foundation responds to the complex needs of communities by building deep relationships with other non-profit organisations, building platforms with local communities and collaborate with the public sector.
The Emerald Foundation work together from a base of Christian values to provide opportunities for all people to grow in body, mind and spirit using sports as a vehicle. “Sports have this amazing, unique way of making a positive impact in society. Whether it's helping children, communities or even nations, sports make a difference on a daily basis.” - Laura Depta, Bleacher Report
The Emerald Foundation offers a range of sports activities from Indigenous African Sports, Athletics, Martial Arts, Boxing, Rugby 7’s, Olympic Weight Lifting, Tug-of-War and community events. We have a proven capacity to introduce people of all ages and abilities to the benefits of a healthy lifestyle. All sports will be for male and female participants.
Mentally, physically and spiritually children will be uplifted through the services offered: an area where someone will help children with their homework and guide them to their purpose, a catering facility and youth pastor. Another service is that children will have the opportunity to do job shadowing during the holidays with local companies that are supporting The Emerald Foundation. We are uniquely placed to help people who want to give back but want to do it with impact and with the highest levels of governance.
The Emerald Foundation will be going into the community, changing people in the community and therefor transforming the community. It's all about enabling people to be healthier, happier and connected in their local community.
The Emerald Foundation stands for fair, caring and vibrant communities for now and the future. At the heart of our work is our purpose – our combined efforts to live and tangibly demonstrate that we believe in the power of inspired young people.
Objectives
To invest and create opportunities in the lives of young in rural communities by developing their talents and turning dreams into reality;
Rugby clinics to develop sport skills, life skills and focus on living with discipline and respect;
Establish and running a High Performance Centre where previously disadvantage youth can develop their sporting talent, provide sport equipment for sportsmen and women who will be competing on School Provincial Level;
The provision of scholarships, bursaries, awards and loans for study at the school. Said scholarships, bursaries, awards and loans will be bona fide and be granted to an individual on grounds of objective merit or need. No scholarship, bursary or award granted may:
a. be revocable, otherwise that for reasons of a material failure to conform to the designated purpose and conditions of that scholarship, bursary or award;
b. be subject to conditions which would enable the donor of the funds of that scholarship, bursary or award or any connected person in relation to that donor, to derive some direct benefit from the application of that scholarship, bursary or award;
c. be granted to any person who is or will become an employee of the donor of the funds of that scholarship, bursary or award or the organisation (or any associated institution in relation to that donor or organisation) or any relative of that person, unless circumstances indicate that the scholarship, bursary or award would have been granted to that person or his or her relative, even if that person had not been an employee of that donor, organisation or associated institution.
No scholarships, bursaries and awards will be granted for overseas studies. All decisions regarding the granting of scholarships, bursaries and awards will be made by a duly constituted committee consisting of at least three persons who are not connected persons in relation to the donors or the person to whom the scholarship, bursary or award is granted.
5) Any further activities supplementary or to the benefit of the above.
Vision
Our vision is to explore and expand human awareness through sports, respecting culture and religion: to inspire people to become purposeful masters of themselves and dedicated, inspired leaders of others into a fulfilled well-being.
Mission
Our mission is to provide safe, clean, inclusive facilities and services for the community. Through intramural programs, sports, and a variety of fitness services, we help the community develop healthy habits, personal fitness, and sportsmanship. These programs help develop physical fitness, reduce stress and promote a positive use of leisure time, appreciation for the environment and interpersonal skills.
Values
The Emerald Foundation is guided to achieve by the following Christian values:
The whole person, consisting of a body, a mind and a spirit each of which is of equal importance.
The dignity and intrinsic worth of all people regardless of age, gender, ethnicity, belief or other difference.
Diversity of people, communities and nations.
Equality of opportunity and justice for all people.
Healthy communities based on relationships between people which are characterised by love, understanding and mutual respect.
Acceptance of personal responsibility.
