New Outdoor Gym in Rocklands a Beacon of Hope

Residents from the Mitchells Plain community will soon be able to enjoy the fun of exercising in the comfort of a new community outdoor gymnasium facility. The facility was officially opened by Sport and Recreation South Africa (SRSA), Department of Cultural Affairs and Sport (DCAS) and City of Cape Town (CoCt) in Rocklands on Wednesday, 22 May 2013.

The facility was built by World Outdoor Fitness. The low-cost equipment means it is less likely to be stolen. The Minister of Cultural Affairs and Sport, Dr Ivan Meyer said the new facility will bring hope to the community. He defined HOPE as Higher Opportunities for People to Excel. “This is a great project that will benefit the community, in particular the children. This will instil a sense a pride among residents,” he said. Dr Meyer added that if the residents continue to support the gym as they did the opening, they will create a socially inclusive, active and fit community. 

The CoCT planted trees to add colour around the facility as part of their environmentally friendly Green initiative. Cllr Belinda Walker of CoCT lauded the role-players for making this project a reality. “The City provides space for children to play, SRSA provides the equipment and DCAS trains and develop the participants. This is indeed a wonderful partnership,” said Walker.

SRSA Minister Fikile Mbalula said that bringing this project to the community inspires people. “It is important to live a healthy lifestyle. Use this facility to keep children away from social ills on the street,” he said. Mbalula encouraged members of the community to take good care after this facility, seeing that children will benefit from it.

For many residents it was an emotional experience. While gathering around the facility and holding hands, they cheered excitedly as Mbalula cut the blue ribbon to officially open the facility. This will indeed bring families together and give residents the opportunity to gain fitness in a fun and relaxing manner.