Attention: News Editors / Journalists / Press Members
Date: 20 April 2021
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
More than 1200 children from Mqikela High School in Lusikisiki in the Eastern Cape can now enjoy a variety of sports on their brand-new Let’s Play sports field. The field, donated by MultiChoice, was officially accepted by the school and the Eastern Cape MEC for Sports, Recreation, Arts and Culture, Fezeka Nkomonye, at a ceremony today.
“The multi-purpose playing field can be used for five different codes: hockey, 5-a-side soccer, tennis, volleyball and netball. In addition to the field, the school also received Let’s Play Coach-in-a-Bag kit. The coach responsible for sport at the schools will undergo training in new physical education methodologies to ensure the sports fields are optimally utilized,” said MEC Nkomonye.
“A wise man once said – if you build it, they will come. This is what is at the heart of our Let’s Play fields initiatives. We create a space for children and teachers to foster a love of being active and discover new sports. Let’s Play builds fields and so much more. We also equip teachers to inspire the children to be more active and to enjoy playing a sport. Who knows, some of these kids might be our future stars on SuperSport!,” said MultiChoice SA CEO, Nyiko Shiburu.
“We are growing a healthier generation, in partnership with the Department of Basic Education. Being more active helps kis to be healthier, which helps them to concentrate better that leads to a better academic performance.”
MultiChoice has been partnering with the Eastern Cape’s Department of Sports, Recreation, Arts and Culture for two years, specifically to develop grassroots sport in the province. The focus is on football, rugby and netball. The company has hosted the DStv Diski Challenge and SuperSport Rugby Challenge festivals in the province for the past six years.
Let’s Play gives disadvantaged schools and communities across South Africa, and especially in rural areas, access to state-of-the-art sporting facilities. Since 2015, Let’s Play has invested R20 million in these facilities and has trained 315 schoolteachers in new Physical Education methodologies. With UNICEF as its partner, this initiative has reached more than 1.5 million children.
Ends
For more on Let’s Play, go to SuperSport.com or follow this link: The Let’s Play Initiative – More info | SuperSport
For media queries, contact:
Spokesperson to the MEC
Ms Busisiwe Jemsana-Mantashe
Cell: 071 688 4204
Email: Busisiwe.Mantashe@ecsrac.gov.za
Or
Communication Manager
Mr Andile Nduna
Cell: 071 411 4820Email: Andile.Nduna@ecsrac.gov.za