FOURTEEN youth coaches from various communities had the opportunity to enrich the lives of 200 youth from rural areas around the Eastern Cape when Khulasande Sports Development implemented the first set of the Khulasande Active Kids programmes in the Nelson Mandela Bay and Makhanda from January 22 to 29.
Founder and managing director, Thobela Thoba, said, “The main objective of the Khulasande Active Kids Programme is to give hope and an alternative perspective of life to young athletes from previously disadvantaged communities. Through providing opportunities to participate in well-organised and supervised recreational programmes we hope to motivate children through sport to make positive life choices.”
The January coaching clinics saw Khulasande Sports Development work with a minimum of 50 children from four different schools in Riebeek East, Bethelsdorp, Alicedale and Motherwell. Over 200 youths received specialty training in preparation for the upcoming athletics season, which will peak during March 2020.
By adopting a holistic approach to the development of the children, Khulasande Sports Development not only focuses on the athletic aspect of their development, but also places strong emphasis on academic development as well as teaching life skills using sport.
In addition to the coaching clinics, Khulasande Sports Development provides beneficiaries with the opportunity to participate in sports festivals and athletics competitions ensuring that they gain maximum exposure to training and competitions in their chosen sports.
The programme is proudly implemented at beneficiary schools in partnership with Grassroots Youth Development and EDF Socio-Economic Development programme.
Khulasande Sports Development will continue the Khulasande Active Kids Programme throughout the year, which places emphasis on general sports activity as well as providing coaching clinics in South Africa’s traditional sports such athletics, soccer, netball and rugby to 12 beneficiary schools in and around Nelson Mandela Bay, Makhanda and Komga.
The next Khulasande Active Kids athletics clinic is scheduled to take place from February 7 to 25 and will cover have additional schools from the Nelson Mandela Bay and Makhanda area participating.
Thoba concluded, “Public and corporate support is welcomed by Khulasande Sports Development which is a non-profit organisation.
“The support will go towards ensuring sustainability of the initiative to enhance the future of our youth.”
