Couples that build basketball courts together, stay together.
This could be the new motto of almost-newlyweds Joshua Raats (27) and Gaby da Silva (22) who managed to convert an old dilapidated tennis court in Protea Valley into a basketball court.
It took them nearly two years, a pandemic, painting the court themselves and an email to the premier, but they could finally celebrate their success a few weeks ago when the court was officially opened.
“It’s been a long journey,” admits Raats.
They first got the idea for the court after watching The Last Dance, a documentary about American basketball player Michael Jordan and seeing the influence sport had on his life.
Da Silva, who lives in Table View, often visits Raats in Protea Valley and the two often walk by Snowball Park at the edge of Snowball Road.
The park is kitted out with extensive traditional play equipment for children but an old, broken tennis court used to be a big eyesore.
“We decided let’s go for it.”
They contacted the City and got the go-ahead. Raat’s brother, Daniel, a mechanical engineer, worked out where the lines on the court should be painted, as it’s effectively half the size of a regular court.
They also put out a call for funds on community groups and the De Villiers family were the only ones to contribute, but it was enough to let them know someone was rooting for them.
What they didn’t factor into their project was government bureaucracy, especially once Covid-19 and subsequent lockdowns hit the country. Contractors laid the concrete, but the project quickly came to a sudden and frustrating halt.
Raats couldn’t let it go, not when they’d come this far. He managed to find Premier Alan Winde’s email address and put the ball in his court.
“He was very gracious and replied.”
From that moment on momentum picked up until they were hit with another roadblock. There was no staff to paint the court. Raats and Da Silva decided to do it themselves. They got the paint from the City and within days it was a whole different ballgame.
The hoops were the final touch and were installed by contractors.
All that was left was the opening of the court, which was attended by grownups and children alike.
Also two professional basketball players, Alain Kanda and Aaron James.
“I’m proud and the perseverance was worth it,” Raats says.
They’re hoping the City now takes ownership for the court, especially since their paint job has begun to lose its sparkle.
Michael Jordan doesn’t know about Raats and Da Silva, but he’s definitely been quoted as saying something that describes their attitude. “Obstacles don’t have to stop you. If you run into a wall, don’t turn around and give up. Figure out how to climb it, go through it, or work around it.”
