More than 700 learners took part in Play Sport4Life’s (PS4L) holiday programme, which took place at Reygersdal Primary between 10 and 12 July.
The non-profit organisation conducted a three-day clinic for learners aged between 8 and 15 years. It conducted beginners’ lessons in various sporting codes, including netball, soccer, rugby and hockey.
Play Sport4Life founder Miles October said bringing the holiday programme to Atlantis was part of the organisation’s broader strategy, to cover areas of need in the wider Cape Town area.
“We have done our research and we know where it is most effective,” he said. “We have run programmes in Mitchells Plain, Gugulethu and Philippi on top of regular activity in Factreton, where we have just completed a five-day holiday clinic.”
He also said the Atlantis initiative is a special one them as it coincides with the third anniversary of PS4L’s first event. We wanted our venture into Atlantis to mark our growth as a young non-profit community organisation.
October adds the organisation is committed to providing a service to the community with the help of volunteers and corporates.
Danny Pietersen, principal of Reygersdal Primary, praised the initiative saying the area is badly in need of any programme that helps to keep kids off the streets and engaged in healthy activities.
He said: “We are acutely aware of the social issues that beset our area and the vulnerability of our children to the scourge of drugs and gangsterism. I am extremely grateful that Play Sport4Life saw fit to bring their programme to our school and to the community. We hope it can be an ongoing initiative that will embrace more people in Atlantis.”
PS4L is also stretched to provide quality resources at these clinics and meals for the learners. They also have expert coaches guiding and honing the young sport stars, which costs money. Thus, the organisation welcomes volunteers and all donations.
PR Councillor for ward 32 Greg Barnardo also visited the clinic. “Sport is not just about participation, you learn new skills that can be applied in daily life such as trust, perseverance, teamwork, leadership skills, friendship, confidence, how to deal with conflict, discipline, and most of all to respect all human beings.”
