Overberg sports clubs encouraged to resume service to their communities | Western Cape Government

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Overberg sports clubs encouraged to resume service to their communities

1 October 2020

The Western Cape Department of Cultural Affairs and Sport (DCAS) completed its annual sport funding cycle on Wednesday, when the last of six cheque handover ceremonies took place in the Overberg town of Swellendam.

The cheque handovers, which usually take place in April, are the culmination of an application process that begins one year prior. Wednesday’s event marked the allocation of R610 000 to 13 sports and recreation federations which operate throughout the Overberg District Municipality.

Many of these federations will be able to resume training and competition or host events (under Covid-19 safety protocols, as per the regulations) following the easing of lockdown restrictions, while others will use the funds for capacity building initiatives or virtual events and competition.

Dr Lyndon Bouah, Chief Director for Sport and Recreation at DCAS, spoke about the positive impact that resumed sports activity could have on the Western Cape economy. “When we have to send people away we pay for flights and there are tracksuits that must be bought, so there are other industries where there will be knock-on effects if we don’t do things as a sport and recreation sector,” he said.

Minister Anroux Marais was at the event to hand over the ceremonial cheques and deliver the keynote address.

“By transferring the equitable share funds, it is hoped that federations and affiliated clubs are able to commence some of their very significant activities in the communities they serve because while we are to be physically distanced, in the Western Cape, we are still socially connected through sport and recreation and ready to safely move forward,” she said.

Wednesday’s event follows ceremonies in West Coast District, Central Karoo District, Eden District, Cape Winelands District and Cape Metro municipalities earlier in September.

The funding cycle for the next financial year, which starts in April, will begin in coming days when DCAS once again opens the application process.

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Tania Colyn
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