West Coast Sport Federations Receive Funding | Western Cape Government

News

West Coast Sport Federations Receive Funding

19 April 2013

On Thursday 18 April 2013, seven federations affiliated to the West Coast Sport Council received a total of R240 000 from Dr Ivan Meyer, Minister of Cultural Affairs and Sport. In addition, he handed over equipment to the value of R17 000 to the Young Happy Stars and Mountain Eagles rugby clubs as well as to the Cederberg Chess Club.

Chess, kickboxing, netball, rugby, shore angling, klawerjas and pool will benefit. The funds will be used by federations to facilitate transformation and sport development, to improve administration, and to support the hosting of major events such as the very successful Annual Fish Factory Rugby Tournament.

Dr Meyer thanked federations for their commitment to making a difference in the lives of young people on the West Coast. “Sport promotes cultural warmth. Coaches and administrators reach out to players of other communities. They provide transport to matches for players who, more often than not, come from backgrounds different to their own. They often tap into their personal resources to finance players and, in so doing, they bring hope to communities. Their contributions promote and develop sport and, more importantly, build social inclusion”, he said.

The president of the West Coast Netball Federation, Ms Madelein Horn, praised Dr Meyer’s earlier announcement of support for a “netball revolution” in the Western Cape. She said support from the Department of Cultural Affairs and Sport (DCAS) would support the emergence of outstanding netball players from the region.

Fifty netball clubs are currently part of the DCAS Club Development Programme and this number will be significantly increased in the next financial year. Dr Meyer undertook to discuss the upgrading of netball infrastructure with municipalities. The sport is growing rapidly and the advent of professional netball is likely to stimulate greater interest. “Through greater support, we will be able to change the life of many a young girl in urban and rural areas”, concluded Dr Meyer.

DCAS and regional sport federations are working better together to improve the lives of the people of the Western Cape.

Media Enquiries: 

Daniel Johnson
Spokesperson for Minister of Cultural Affairs and Sport Dr Ivan Meyer
Department of Cultural Affairs and Sport
Tel: 021 483 3261
E-mail: Daniel.Johnson@westerncape.gov.za