Young people from the surrounding community, aged six to 18, now have the opportunity to enrol for various free sporting programmes. In this way, they are included in an uplifting environment that not only contributes to their physical development but plays a meaningful role in teaching them social, communication, health and other life skills.
This establishment aims to mirror the success that has been achieved at Hope Through Action's first community sports centre in Mbekweni, approximately 60km from Cape Town. The Mbekweni Community Sports Centre was opened in 2010 in conjunction with the Soccer World Cup held in South Africa, and continually enriches the lives of hundreds of children. The non-profit places a particular emphasis on uplifting communities that are often overlooked and are without much aid.
The facilities in Groendal comprise a multi-purpose indoor pitch, training and meeting rooms, a resource centre, showers and kitchen facilities. It is open seven days a week and operates according to a specific class schedule. Furthermore, like the Mbekweni facilities, it includes an early learning centre which is operated by The Kusasa Project.
The opening of the centre in Groendal was made possible through donations raised by Philip Green. A man who wears many hats, Green is additionally the chairman for Prince Harry's charity, Sentebale. Bearing testimony to Green's generosity, he was awarded a CBE (Commander of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire) in November 2014 for his philanthropic and business efforts.
Amongst others involved with Hope Through Action, are three familiar South African faces with big names and even bigger hearts; namely, former swimming champion, Ryk Neethling, celebrity chef, Reuben Riffel and former cricket star, Gary Kirsten. These three men not only contribute as ambassadors for the organisation but also as excellent role models to the young people of South Africa.
Comments Ryk Neethling: "It makes me incredibly proud to be a part of an initiative of this nature and to have witnessed the opening of a development that is going to shape children's futures, nurture upcoming sports stars and offer hope to a community."
Although Neethling is now involved on a full-time basis at Val de Vie Estate as Marketing Director, he keeps the world of sport close to his heart. Neethling continues: "I count myself fortunate to be able to see the benefits of sport being imparted to these children through these centres."
Val de Vie Estate is also closely connected with Hope Through Action as a sponsor of its work. In addition, the estate runs a hospitality internship that trains young people from the organisation. The internship programme has seen immense success in these members being hired in the industry.
