Fun and Games For Farmworkers at Sport and Recreation Day

A day of fun-filled sporting activities in Paarl created good memories for hundreds of farmworkers from across the Western Cape. On Saturday, 18 May 2013 the annual Farmworkers’ Sport and Recreation Day, hosted by the Department of Cultural Affairs and Sport (DCAS) at Dal Josephat Stadium, helped to ensure that farmworkers have greater access to sport and sports facilities.

A lively and colourful procession by the participants brought excitement to the crowd prior to the start of the games. Competitive dominoes, netball, football, rugby and tug-of-war were on offer on the day.

Minister of Cultural Affairs and Sport Dr Ivan Meyer told the crowd that the event was taking place during one of the most trying times within the agriculture sector. “Most of you have responded with the kind of ‘can do’ attitude which is so characteristic of this sector. This attitude brought all of you here today, determined to access and participate in sport, while at the same time establishing and strengthening relationships that will build the agricultural sector,” he said.

Dr Meyer added that the “netball revolution” must reach as many farms as possible. “This will only be achieved when the relevant role-players work hand-in-hand to ensure that netball is organised and played in a structured manner,” he said.

The strong performances and high levels of energy among participants representing their regional teams showed that the pride of farmworker sport is alive and well in the province. 

Mr Danie Davids of the Klein Velvet farm in Faure said he felt proud to experience the spirit of true sportspersonship with his fellow farmworkers and opponents. “I enjoyed playing dominoes and making new friends. Today’s games showed that we, as farmworkers, can also enjoy sport participation and make a valuable contribution to sport in the province.”

Prizes were handed over to teams and individual participants for their outstanding efforts. The day brought the joy of participating in sport and recreational activities back to the farms in the province and participants left the stadium with a sense of pride and many good memories of playing better together.