Sir Richard Branson Adds His Personal Touch at MOD Centre | Western Cape Government

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Sir Richard Branson Adds His Personal Touch at MOD Centre

1 November 2013
Internationally renowned entrepreneur Sir Richard Branson and Minister of Cultural Affairs and Sport Dr Ivan Meyer visited the pilot Future Crew gym facility at the Lavender Hill Secondary School MOD Centre on 31 October 2013. 
 
The Department of Cultural Affairs and Sport (DCAS) worked hand-in-hand with Virgin Active South Africa to introduce Sir Branson’s Future Crew initiative in the Western Cape. The initiative provides gym equipment, supported by training to teachers and coaches, to encourage disadvantaged youth to become more active, and to enhance their employment prospects. The Lavender Hill facility was completed in July 2013.
 
The MOD (Mass Participation Opportunity and Access, Development and Growth) centres at schools across the Western Cape provide opportunities after school hours for children to engage in cultural activities and sport. The MOD programme recently won a Kamoso award for the best Social Sector project of the Extended Public Works Programme (EPWP). Two learners were also awarded Western Cape colours for weightlifting and another received provincial colours for netball.
 
Principal Faseeg Manie said that since Virgin Active’s establishment of a gym at the school, there has been an increased sense of purpose among learners and an improvement in academic results. Even the community has started to use the school gym after hours. 
 
These positive impacts show how the Western Cape Government, the private sector, schools, learners and community members can work better together for the good of all. 
Media Enquiries: 
Annerie Pruis-Le Roux
Acting Head of Communication Service
Department of Cultural Affairs and Sport
Tel: 021 483 9730