Fortune's Inspirational Trip

Kansai Plascon representatives and Quinton Fortune, the former Manchester United and Bafana Bafana player, visited Randfontein Secondary School to run a training clinic with the school’s soccer team, and to motivate and inspire the pupils to excel in their studies, and to make the right life choices.

Kansai Paint, Kansai Plascon’s parent company, is the official paint partner of Manchester United, and is committed to supporting and improving education. As part of Kansai Plascon’s corporate social investment programme, the company chose to assist Randfontein Secondary School by painting and renovating the buildings, and supporting the school’s sports development. The school is located in a disadvantaged area and its students battle with social issues.

Winston Morris, Randfontein Secondary School principal, opened the proceedings by stating that the best indicator of a school’s achievements is their performance academically and on the sports field. He was joined by Plascon Marketing Executive Mike van Harmelen.

The learners were thrilled to see Fortune, who thanked Kansai Plascon for not only painting the school, but also winning the hearts and minds of the learners. He emphasised that success requires hard work and sacrifice, and relayed his personal story of growing up on the Cape Flats. He said he could relate to the challenges which the pupils experience on a daily basis, and that he is “living proof” of the fact that anyone can make a success of their life. Quinton reiterated that success requires dedication and commitment, and that there will always be challenges, but the key is to never give up.

The former United star spent some time among the pupils, shaking their hands and sharing a friendly hug, and presented Principal Morris with an autographed Manchester United jersey. Quinton was then given the opportunity to showcase the skills for which he has become a legend, and a few learners were invited to join him on the stage to showcase their skills, and were rewarded with autographed soccer balls.

Quinton then spent time sharing tips with the Randfontein Secondary School soccer team during a training clinic, and also planted a tree in the school’s vegetable garden as a symbol of sustainability.

“Kansai Plascon would like to thank our partner, Manchester United, for their generous donation to Randfontein Secondary School and for the time Quinton Fortune spent with the children," said Executive Director of Kansai Plascon Trudi McCracken. "Both Kansai Plascon and Manchester United have a long history of success and it is important that we share this success with our local communities."

For more information on Kansai Plascon visit http://www.kansaiplascon.co.za/ or follow @Plascon on Twitter.