"By providing you this platform and expose some of you to new sportingcodes, the government is living true to its promise of a better of lifefor all. A better life in the sense that sport is now a career, and aninterest in any career for that matter could only be pursued once aperson has been exposed to it. The fact that certain sporting codes likehockey, baseball and aquatic sports are considered exclusive sports fora certain section of the population are resultant perceptions entrenchedby the legacy of apartheid. Those who perpetuated these perceptionsconveniently forgot that the previously disadvantaged communities had nofacilities, sporting equipment and resources to be able to compete atthe same level.
The situation still remains unchanged in these communities; howevertoday's programme is another one of government's demonstratedcommitments to the agenda of redress. The government is now firmly oncourse to improving the lot of our people in the sporting front.
Through Siyadlala, a new generation of sportsmen and womenfully representative of the demographics of the country willemerge in the nearest future, even in sporting codes that aretraditionally regarded as no-go areas for other sections of thepopulation.
I am particularly elated that my department is actively involved inleveling the playing field, so that all learners and the citizens ofthis province and country can have equal chances to launch theirsporting careers. This also fits in perfectly with our vision ofcreating a Western Cape that is a harmonious Home for All."
Siyadlala Mass participation programme is a national project of Sportand Recreation South Africa. It was offcially launched in Upington inthe Northen Cape approximately two months ago by the President Mbeki andNational Minister of Sport and Recreation, Makhenkesi Stofile. Theobjective is to facilitate mass participation in sport and recreationactivities, especially to mobilize previously disadvantaged communitiesin high crime areas and governmemt priority areas.
Mr Chris Stali addressed about 2000 aspiring sportspersonsfrom the Metrolipolitan region. 39 Qualified trainers that have been,since June this year, specifically trained to actively promote different newsporting codes to the marginalized communities, were at hand todemonstrate how to play certain games. The games displayed includedgymnastics, aerobics, basketball, handball and all indigenous sports.
Issued by:Mandla Yeki
Media Liaison Officer
Department of Cultural Affairs, Sport and Recreation
Mobile: 082 553 3477
