A celebratory occasion marking 110 years of a local rugby
club in the Eastern Cape’s community of Adelaide, was recently hosted. This
significant milestone for the Lily White Rugby Football Club, drew the
attention of the country’s minister of Sports, Arts and Culture, Zizi Kodwa, who
sent best wishes and acknowledgment of the role that this club played within
the local community in showcasing talent.
Players across many
generations and some of the club’s prominent supporters gathered to commemorate
together, many of whom received special awards and recognition for their
contributions made to the club.
Kodwa said, “Lily White is
one of the oldest sports clubs in the country. Throughout its history, the club
also provided space and opportunity to players who did not have an opportunity
to showcase their talents on larger platforms during apartheid. Today, the club
continues to play an important role at the grassroots level, and in tackling
social ills in society such as gender-based violence and femicide. I would like
to congratulate Lily White on this huge milestone, and wish you many more years.”
Through its many years of
standing, the club has proudly produced three springbok players and several
provincial players and has been a beacon of hope for youth.
Lifa Baskiti, community
liaison officer for Cookhouse Wind Farm, funder of the event said, “As with
many small towns in the region, Adelaide youth look to sports as an escape
route from a life of crime and substance abuse. There is no doubt that sport
has a significant impact on local communities and creates a sense of camaraderie
that unites people, which is why the decision to partner with the club was an
easy one for us.”
As part of the
celebrations, Cookhouse Wind Farm donated a three-piece playing kit for the first
team, including 80 branded t-shirts, 20 golf shirts, and 20 caps, as well as
commemorative banners. The catering, decoration, and photography services were
all locally sourced, contributing to local economic development.
This support forms part of
Cookhouse Wind Farm’s Socio-Economic Development strategy, which has youth development as one of the five focus areas.
