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R1.2 Million Boost For Grassroots Sport Development In Nelson Mandela Bay

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The Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality does not only pride itself as a sporting destination of choice for Mega sport events, the Municipality is also investing more than R1.2 million into grassroots sport development through a financial and sporting equipment donation to more than 24 sports clubs from different sporting codes within our communities.

The sporting codes that have benefited are soccer, netball, rugby, darts, volley ball, disability sport, boxing and triathlon, a sport previously not popular within the previously disadvantaged communities.

Speaking during the handover ceremony of the sport equipment, Mayoral Committee Member for Sport, Culture and Recreation, Bassie Kamana said the Municipality takes pride in delivering tangible support to grassroots sports development.

“We hope that we will be able to eradicate social ills like crime and drug abuse through this, as a child in sport is a child away from crime. We encourage our youth to fully participate in sport, and in so doing, move away from the social ills that have the potential to destroy their lives,” said Kamana.

He called on all the clubs to work hard at professionalising their clubs so that they can absorb more young people. “We understand that this assistance is not enough, looking at the magnitude of the challenges we have. We will continue to mobilise more resources within government and the business sector,” added MMC Kamana.

MMC Kamana said the Municipality was on the right path in placing itself on the international map with regard to the hosting of international sporting events, the recent Ironman African Championships this past Sunday a prime example.

“Foundations have been put in place, and we are now known around the world for hosting the world class international events. We now want to continue building world champions from the dusty streets of our townships,” said MMC Kamana.

“We also have the challenge of the vandalism of sporting facilities. These things happen in our areas. We need to come up with innovative ways as clubs to safeguard our facilities”.

One of the donation recipients, Fairview Rovers’ Ruaan Sauls (Chairman) said: “Every bit helps. We are from a poor community. This is a good sign that our pleas are listened to. One ball donation makes a difference.”

Siphokazi Pisani from Shooting Stars Netball Club said the equipment will encourage the young ones to do more. Shooting Stars received training kits, equipment and match kits.

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Alan Straton

Chief Cook, Bottle Washer and Broom Mechanic at MyPE
Passionate about Port Elizabeth and definitely NOT packing for Perth. Alan's ethos is epitomised in the words of Nelson Mandela; "I have fought against white domination and I have fought against black domination. I have cherished the idea of a democratic and free society. If need be, it is an ideal for which I am prepared to die." See more articles by Alan.