The unique sporting Rainbow Nation project in the Deep South Valley

The first sporting event aimed at developing a more integrated, understanding and helping environment in the Deep South was held at Fish Hoek Primary School on 31^st January.  The purpose of a series of meetings with MCC Masi Sports project and 12 Primary schools from the Deep South Valley, is to develop a Rainbow Nation in the Deep South, through a series of sports events including all schools from the Valley.

This may seem an improbable dream. The Heads of Sport of the 12 Primary Schools, however, are working together achieve just that.

Ambitious – you bet.

Doable – undoubtedly.

This is a story of a new journey in the Deep South.

A journey of 12 schools of different backgrounds with the same goal – to help each other and the whole community reach their full potential. Sport has inspired SA in so many ways in the past.

This, however, is not the World Cup nor the Olympics. This is a transformation from the ground up and requires generosity and a desire for all to be inclusive, to succeed. We have committed to this and will reassess after two years.

Man, this is worth striving for, with all our energy. To succeed we need other leaders in the community, commerce and politics to stand tall, with us.

Byron Compton and Ryan Jooste, the respective Head of Sport at FHPS and Sun Valley PS, undertook the organization of the first event – a highly successful athletics meeting. Ukhanyo PS, Kleinberg PS (Ocean view), Bay PS, FHPS and Sun Valley athletes competed; as logistics determined that only 5 schools could be invited.

Parents, teachers and learners flocked to the gala event. The athletics meeting was highly professionally run by FHPS and Sun Valley, efficiently and effectively, yet with zest and fun. It was a family day too with parents and staff, not just kids, chatting and sharing their stories.

The knock-on effect of the sports meeting was that:

• the athletes were given an essential competitive opportunity to prepare for the regional athletics day the following week
• allowed Kleinberg and Ukhanyo to see the process of officiating shot put and long jump, up to now, not available at their schools
• the long-distance athletes who cannot practice on a full 400 metre fields, could use the event to develop their race strategies.
• it gave the athletes the experience at a full-blown athletics meeting, of warming up timeously and being mentally prepared for the start of their race. An important lesson.
• the athletes were professionally started with a gun – a new experience for many.

This was a perfect example of the sharing of resources and experience assisting all the athletes, not a select few. Such a special day.

The event was the culmination of a series of meetings organized by the MCC Masi sports Project with all 12 Primary Schools in the Valley. Similar days, involving all sports are planned to for each school from Kommetjie to Simonstown.

The concept is to break down the historical barriers that surround the different residential areas to lead to greater interaction and understanding. This will include the learners, the staff, the parents and the communities.

Fish Hoek PS and Sun Valley have historically opened their facilities to other less fortunate schools. As an example, FHPS host every Wednesday in summer, the KFC mini-cricket competition with a myriad of teams.

Michael Thyali, the Principal of Ukhanyo, has said numerous times, “Sport is a game changer.”  We have found in Ukhanyo that to play sport, be taught life skills and to have a platform of good academic education is a life changer!

We look forward to the next event in the second term. Thank you, Fish Hoek PS and Sun Valley, for being such fabulous hosts!