Supporting the youth through sport
The Summer Greens community hall played host to a weekend fund-raiser for sports equipment for the neighbourhood’s youth.
Scores of young people took part in basketball, netball, soccer games during the event.
Nathan Isaacs, who coordinates youth activities for the Summer Greens Residents’ Association, said he was pleased with the youth turnout.
“I love that the youth of our community want to get involved with these activities. We see this every day at our parks that kids in the neighbourhood really want to participate. Our parks are always full with kids playing. That is why I feel like this area needs a sports facility. A place where the children can be safe when playing and don’t risk hurting themselves playing soccer on the tarmac or in fields with thorns.”
Mr Isaacs said he would like parents to get more involved in the youth activities and encourage their children to take part.
According to the SGRA chairman Gary Jacobs, funds were raised on the day through the sale of food and drinks, and one of the parents made potjiekos.
“Some people and organisations showed their support by donations. I’d like to also thank councillor Anthony Benadie for donating parcels which had bottled water and chips for the children,” he said.
Mr Isaacs said that the SGRA’s youth division made R1 700 in donations and sales and that money would go towards sports gear.
“We hope this was a sign of better things to come. There are big plans for us as we would like to start a running and a chess club. We already have people interested in these activities,” he said.
Resident Joseph Minaar said it was good to see the community rallying to support a good cause.
“I liked what I saw,” he said. “The kids were having so much fun and at the end of the day, it’s about uplifting the youth. They can get away from the negative things we have in our community and hopefully they can inspire their peers to join in and make this place safe and fun for all.”
