Red Cross Hospital Patients Get an Early Taste of the World Cup | Western Cape Government

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Red Cross Hospital Patients Get an Early Taste of the World Cup

17 May 2010

Artists brought the World Cup to patients ahead of the kick off of the first game when they, in conjunction with 2010 Fine Art, painted a soccer-themed montage for the hospital. The top South African and international artists, Professor William Riquelme, Virginia Holden, Alejandrio Mondria, Gavin Rain and Selwyn Pekeur, painted a montage of soccer balls, the National Flag and Zakumi, the World Cup mascot, which was hung in the hospital's foyer as part of the decorations in the lead up to the World Cup. The montage will become one of the artworks which will adorn the hospital's walls.

"Every South African, of every age, deserves the chance to share in Africa's biggest event. When stories are told about the World Cup it will be the children of South Africa who will be telling them - and it is our responsibility to make sure that they share in the excitement," said Rain, a Cape Town artist. Held in the hospital's school, and supervised by teachers Michelle Shargey and Caitlin Greener the workshop included artists from Paraguay, Mexico and South Africa.

"Art is a lot like football," said Mondria, of Mexico, who also brought sweets for the children from his home country. "It doesn't need a common language to be understood - especially not by kids."

Also getting into the spirit of the workshop was Madrie Verwey, Marketing manager of Cavendish Square, who used the opportunity to present a gorgeous gift from the Centre to the Friends of the Children's Hospital Association to benefit the patients at the hospital.

Media Enquiries: 

Lauren O'Connor
Principal Communications Officer
Red Cross War Memorial Children's Hospital
Tel: 021 658 5448
Fax: 021 6585333
Email: rxhpro@pgwc.gov.za