Western Cape Indigenous Games Team Announced | Western Cape Government

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Western Cape Indigenous Games Team Announced

10 July 2013

Hundreds of participants from various districts across the Western Cape competed in the Provincial Indigenous Games, hosted by the Department of Cultural Affairs and Sport (DCAS) in Kuils River on Saturday, 6 July 2013.

Participants passionately showed their talent in the nine codes: dibeki, diketo, marabaraba, jukskei, kho-kho, ncuva, Iintonga, kgati and driestokkies. A team was selected to represent the Western Cape at the National Indigenous Games Festival in Pretoria from 20 -24 September 2013.

The Games reflected DCAS’s commitment to promote and develop Indigenous Games in the Western Cape. The Director of Sport Development, Mr Paul Hendricks, said that Indigenous Games add meaning to communities.  “It’s important because it’s true to our roots, and forms a part to our rich history and heritage. The Games make us proud to be South African,” he said.

Hendricks said that the Indigenous Games provide young people with a message of hope. Instead of being affected by social ills in their communities, they could have a life filled with fun, sportsmanship, competition, values and discipline,” he said.

The participants enjoyed the experience. The members of the newly elected team were ecstatic. Jukskei athlete Sandisiwe Magalakangqa of Overberg says that she is honoured to represent her province at the National Indigenous Games Festival. “I can’t wait to join my new teammates and start to prepare for it. I’m so excited,” she said.

The Games were played in a good spirit and new friendships were established, in the process enhancing cultural warmth and social inclusion in the Western Cape.

Media Enquiries: 

Daniel Johnson
Spokesperson for the Minister
Department of Cultural Affairs and Sport
Tel: 021 483 3261
E-mail: Daniel.Johnson@westerncape.gov.za

or

Tania Colyn
Acting Head of Communication Service
Department of Cultural Affairs and Sport
Tel: 021 483 9877
E-mail: Tania.Colyn@westerncape.gov.za