West Coast Sport Federations Help to Unite People

West Coast sports federations help to make people smile and play an important role in uniting people from different backgrounds. Speaking at Langebaan Yacht Club on 25 April 2012, Western Cape Minister of Cultural Affairs and Sport, Dr Ivan Meyer, congratulated federations from across the region and thanked them for their dedication and hard work.

This event marked the announcement by the Department of Cultural Affairs and Sport (DCAS) of R150 000 in development and administration funding to West Coast federations and a further R71 500 for major sporting events organised by four of the federations.

Sporting activity has generally increased, with water sports being especially significant; for example, a variety of boat racing events had been held on the West Coast. Dr Meyer described the work of the federations as inspirational, saying that communities need good role models who can lead by example, on the sports field and in other areas of life. He praised their work in promoting sport as a way of reducing crime and creating jobs, thereby contributing to socio-economic development.

Advocate Lyndon Bouah, Chief Director of Sport and Recreation at DCAS, said that the funding would be made available as soon as possible in order that the various sports programmes can be delivered to communities on the West Coast. DCAS and its partners have held similar events in Mossel Bay (13 April 2012), Cape Town (23 April 2012) and Paarl (24 April 2012). A total of R3.9 million has been made available to sports federations across the province after a thorough process of consultation. The process identified sport federations that are willing to work together and engage in meaningful partnerships with the community and other role players. DCAS believes that supporting sport enhances social inclusion by providing an opportunity to engage young people in healthy, positive activities.

West Coast federations that recieved funding:
WC Chess
WC Kickboxing Assoc
WC Klawerjas
WC Netball Union
WC Pool Association
WC Rugby
WC Shore Angling