Sampie Mokoakoe has inspired the global community through his kindness while competing in the Mongol Derby, earning himself the sportsmanship award in the process.
Mongolia, East Asia – The Mongol Derby was inspired by the days of Genghis Khan when horse messengers would ride for thousands of kilometres without stopping. They would change up their horses every 40 kilometres and continue until they reached their destination. The horses in this race are semi-feral which makes it very challenging to complete the race.
The Mongol Derby is the longest and toughest horse race on earth. Sampie Mokoakoe, a kindhearted South African, has been taking part in the competition. His actions during the race have inspired everyone who has been taking part in the race, spectators, crew and all.
A support crew vehicle became trapped in a bog (a type of wetland made up of dead plant material). Sampie stopped to help the crew even though he was on a tight time schedule for his race. The team were blown away by his kindness.
According to the Endurance Ride Association of South Africa (ERASA), Sampie earned a 17th place position in the race as well as two awards. He was given the Sportsmanship Award for always helping anyone in need and the Herder award, for being a crowd favourite.
“Everyone was talking about the unbelievable spiritual connection he had with his horse” and they wanted to know his secret” – A Herder from the race.
Sampie took his spirit of Ubuntu and spread it across the Mongolian Steppe.
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