Importance of sport and recreation highlighted as DCAS invests in Cape Winelands

The Department of Cultural Affairs and Sport (DCAS) invested just over R1 000 000 into the promotion and development of sport in the Cape Winelands on Monday, 28 September 2020, marked by a cheque handover ceremony held in Franschhoek.

With sport having already resumed (under protocols as per the regulations) around the country following after the easing of lockdown restrictions, the money will be used to fund events, competition and education.

Dr Lyndon Bouah, Chief Director for Sport and Recreation at DCAS, spoke about how important sport is to society in terms of health and the economy. “If people do not participate in sport and recreation, they could become ill and could be a burden on the health system. So it’s important that we show that we have activity taking place,” Dr Bouah said during his speech. “The executive mayor (of the Cape Winelands District Muncipality, Dr Elna von Schlicht) has already made this point (about how sport boosts the local economy). The Cape Town Cycle Tour for instance has shown that they bring R500 million into the Western Cape economy with just that one race. So we need you to still organise your events and festivals, wherever they may be.”

Minister Anroux Marais attended the event to hand over the cheques and deliver the keynote speech. “In a dismal national fiscal environment, adopting a Whole of Society Approach inculcating collaborative efforts through sustainable partnerships is much needed to achieve our mutual goals to enable safe and connected communities,” Minister Marais said. “As the trusted partner of our sport and cultural stakeholders, those affecting dynamic change in behavioural trends at grassroots level are our most valued partners and we remain committed to empowering them and the various structures through innovative assistance and interventions as the need and demand transpires. We are therefore, happy to present R1 045 000 to the Cape Winelands District Sport Council to empower affiliated federations and clubs with funds needed to again administer, develop and host capacity building workshops as we together safely move forward and forge our new norm in the sector.”

The cheque handover is the culmination of a process during which DCAS considers sports federations for funding.

Monday’s handover was the third to take place, with the West Coast and Central Karoo ceremonies having taken place on 14 and 22 September respectively.

The Cape Town cheque handovers will take place on Tuesday 29 September and the Overberg ceremony will take place in Swellendam on Wednesday.