MOD Flag Flies High at National Softball Championships | Western Cape Government

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MOD Flag Flies High at National Softball Championships

24 March 2014

On 21 March 2014, 18 Mass participation; Opportunity and access; Development and growth (MOD) softball teams competed against each other in Athlone on Human Rights Day. The event formed part of the National Softball Championships that took place from 19 to 23 March with support from the Department of Cultural Affairs and Sport (DCAS).

“It was a great opportunity for MOD Centre players to play at an event of this size and learn from those playing at a higher level. The learners watched the Western Province team playing on 22 March and were excited to see that level of softball,” said Softball Curriculum Developer Zeona Dearham.

Margi Hill, who is also a MOD Programme coach as well as the coach for the Western Province (WP) women’s team encouraged WP players to take a walk around the junior festival and encourage the young players. “This helped the learners to identify positive role models and the Western Province players to realise that they have a responsibility to be good role models.”

According to Paul Hendricks of DCAS, “An event like this is the perfect time to show our MOD Programme learners where they could be if they put the work in Giving the learners an opportunity to interact with top class players will go a long way to encouraging them.” 

Head coach at the Bishop Lavis MOD Centre Jacky Adonis was also part of the WP Women’s team that won the tournament while MOD Programme North Assistant Area Manager Dwayne Kerchoff played in the men’s team that came fourth. Adonis said that the players jumped at the chance to give back to the juniors. “All the players were very keen to be involved. The learners’ eyes were opened to the broader appeal of softball and how quick the game can be at the top level,” she said.

Adonis joined Nicky Jones, Candice Ross, Courtney Stevens, Alex Fortune and Carla Swanepoel in the All-Star women’s team selected at the end of the tournament. Brandon Davids, Moses Molaba and Marc Quickfall were the WP players selected for the men’s team.

Media Enquiries: 

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