Team Western Cape Off to National Indigenous Games Festival

On Wednesday, 18 September 2013, the Department of Cultural Affairs and Sport (DCAS) honoured the athletes who will represent the Western Cape at the national Indigenous Games Festival in Pretoria next week. A total of 114 athletes are expected to compete against other provincial teams in the nine indigenous games codes: jukskei, morabaraba, diketo, dibeki, drie stokkies, ngati, ncuva, intonga and kho-kho.

Minister of Cultural Affairs and Sport Dr Ivan Meyer said he is proud of the team because they represent an important part of cultural heritage of the province. His message to the athletes was: “Compete in such a way that will inspire the five million people of the Western Cape. Come back to your communities, share your experience and make a difference in the lives of others. By doing this, you will promote cultural warmth.”

Mr Philasande Macwili of DCAS said most athletes representing the province had been identified through the Department’s Mass participation, Opportunity and access, Development and growth (MOD) programme, which places a strong emphasis on promoting and developing indigenous games.

“These games give people a platform to exercise their culture, tradition and values. The games are structured in a way that makes a difference in the lives of people and their communities,” he said.

Western Cape Indigenous Games Chef de Mission Mr Jerome Arendse said he was sure that the team will bring back medals. The athletes are participating in a training camp until they leave for Pretoria on Friday, 20 September 2013