Helping Mandeville Wheelchair Rugby stay in motion

At Hot Cares, we believe in the power of sport to uplift, empower, and change lives. That’s why we are proud to support an incredible initiative that is making a tangible difference in the lives of individuals living with disabilities—the Mandeville Wheelchair Rugby Club.

At the heart of this movement is Ilan Guest, a dedicated individual whose journey with wheelchair rugby began as a deeply personal one. After his brother was left paralyzed following a motorbike accident, Ilan saw firsthand how wheelchair rugby could provide not only physical rehabilitation but also emotional strength, camaraderie, and a renewed sense of purpose. What started as a means to help his family soon evolved into a larger mission—to offer that same opportunity to others in similar circumstances.

Under Ilan’s leadership, the Mandeville Wheelchair Rugby Club has grown tremendously, expanding from a small group of players to three fully active teams. Many of the players come from marginalized communities and struggle with the costs associated with specialized equipment. Yet, Ilan has never allowed financial limitations to stand in the way of his athletes. Through tireless fundraising and advocacy, he has secured sponsorships, equipment, and opportunities for those who might otherwise be excluded.

However, the club is now facing a critical challenge—a shortage of wheelchair rugby chairs. As the demand for participation has grown, the existing chairs have become overused, outdated, and in some cases, completely unusable. Without more chairs, the club has been forced to turn eager new players away.

Recognizing the urgency of this need, Hot Cares has stepped in to cover the full cost of R65,000 required to purchase new wheelchair rugby chairs. This donation will ensure that more players can take to the court, experience the joy of sport, and benefit from the empowerment that wheelchair rugby provides.

For many of these athletes, wheelchair rugby is more than just a game—it’s a lifeline. It’s about restoring dignity, fostering inclusion, and proving that disability does not define destiny. We are honoured to be part of this journey and look forward to seeing these incredible players thrive.