Inner-city sporting activities prepare to restart
Uyapo Majahana
The Afrika Tikkun NPO, in collaboration with Odirile WaRati, SAPS and JMPD distributed face masks and sanitizers to coaches of the Local Football Association on Tuesday, in preparation for the return of activities for theJohannesburg inner–city local league.
Afrika Tikkun’s Thomas Taole said sport is crucial in the development of young people.
“It is important for children to be kept healthy and fit through exercise. Youth sport plays an important role in exercise, and promotes mental and psychological advances. We encourage parents to bring their children to places like Afrika Tikkun in Braampark for their benefit, where they also make life-long friends,” he said.
Johannesburg inner–city sports coordinator and head coach for Odirile Wa Rati, Gololo Matsobane said the programme’s partnership with security personnel ensuressafety of the children.
“Security concerns are dealt with by working in partnership with the SAPS, JMPD as well as Bad Boys Security,” he said.
He added that coaches are soon to be put through a coaching course, which will also benefit the children.
“On 5 September we will launch a coaching clinic in partnership with the Sports Science Institute of South Africa, to make sure that coaches fine tune their skills,” Matsobane said.
Danger Boys FC coach Blessing Dlamini said he could not wait to get back to sporting activities. “The training we give the children goes beyond sporting activities and delves into life skills as well. We nurture them to grow into responsible citizens and leaders in our community. We also teach them teamwork, respect and discipline,” he said.
