GOLANG EDUCATION OUTREACH SUPPORTED BY RUIMSIG GEMEENTE TAKING THE LEAD IN TRANSFORMING COMMUNITIES THROUGH SPORT

October 31 was a day to remember in the history of Zandspruit, as she continues along Her path of transformation and reconciliation. About 300 children aged 6 to 18 as well as many parents flocked to the Emthonjeni Community Centre, who played host to the first ever dedicated Sport’s Day for the community’s children. Golang Education Outreach facilitated the day, offering children the opportunity to participate in Soccer, Boxing, Volleyball and Netball on a brand new court donated by the Bryanston Sport’s Club.

At first glance it looked like organized chaos, but the more I lingered the more I enjoyed myself. A local DJ ensured that the day’s events were not left alone, as funky local music boomed through the sound system and across the community, to accompany the proceedings. Children punched each other in the boxing ring, joyfully chased a soccer ball around a dilapidated field, enjoyed their struggle to grasp the new concept of volleyball, and excelled on the netball court. And the day was not without visitors.

The Krugersdorp High School girls played a very important role in our nation’s transformation by stepping out of their comfort zone and into the “squatter camp” to play in a wonderfully competitive netball match against the Zandspruit Mighty Girls. However, the day was not all sports. The Golang Kid’s Club put on a few stunning and colourful displays of gumboot dancing, hip-hop dancing, poetry and a musical rendition of “It Takes a Whole Village To Raise A Child” that surely brought a tear to every eye that was present. And as our boerewors rolls and pap-and-chicken from a deliciously prepared lunch began to settle, it was time for the most animated awards ceremony I have ever seen.

Vuvuzelas and trophies were handed to the children, rewarding them and drawing their attention to the importance of Excellence, Sportmanship and Unity.

This day has launched the beginning of the Golang Sport’s Initiative, which promises to continue along this path with increased vigour into 2010 and beyond – playing their small part in the transformation of young lives in South Africa. If you believe in sport as a combat for many evils in society and wish to get involved through sponsorship or through service, please contact Margaret le Roux (lerouxm@mweb.co.za). Golang would like to thank their sponsors, PWC and Ruimsig Gemeente for their generous sponsorship of this event.

Philen Naidu (Golang Sports-coordinator for 2010)