WATCH: Eden Park Secondary receives new multi purpose sports court as neighbouring schools get sports kits
Eden Park Secondary School has received a new multipurpose sports court, while more than six neighbouring schools were equipped with sports kits during a government initiative aimed at expanding sporting opportunities for learners and communities.
Learners at Eden Park Secondary School now have access to a new multipurpose sports court following its official handover by the Minister of Sport, Arts and Culture, Gayton McKenzie, on July 31.
The multi-purpose sports court forms part of the department’s Ministerial Outreach Programme aimed at expanding access to quality sporting infrastructure while supporting talent development in schools and surrounding communities.
@albertonrecord Minister of Sport, Arts and Culture Gayton McKenzie arrives at Eden Park Secondary School alongside Gauteng MEC for Education Lebogang Maile ahead of the official handover of the new sports court. Full story on albertonrecord.co.za
The court is designed to accommodate netball, volleyball, basketball, hockey, soccer and wheelchair sports giving learners and the wider Eden Park community a safe space to train, compete and participate in organised sport.
In addition to the new court, several neighbouring schools received sports kits.
Some of the beneficiaries were Stoneridge Primary School, Eden Ridge Primary School, Buhlebuzile Primary School, Palm Ridge Secondary School, Opelroad Primary School, Simunye Primary School and Mohlodi Primary School.
McKenzie was joined by Gauteng MEC for Education Lebogang Maile, Gauteng MEC for Environment Ewan Botha, Ward 57 councillor Dino Petersen, school principals, learners and community members during the handover.
More developments planned
Addressing learners, McKenzie described the handover as the beginning of broader investment in the community.
“The next thing we bring here in the few weeks is the gym. It’s going to be a public gym,” he said.
McKenzie urged learners to dream beyond their circumstances, sharing how he grew up in poverty but remained focused on changing the future for his family.
@albertonrecord Learners at Eden Park Secondary School now have access to a new multipurpose sports court following its official handover by the Minister of Sport, Arts and Culture, Gayton McKenzie, on July 31. Full story on albertonrecord.co.za
“It is not how you start in life. You must have a dream. I wanted to change the trajectory of my whole family. I wanted to be the last poor person in my family.”
He encouraged learners to avoid gangsterism, stay away from crime and focus on their education and future.
McKenzie also thanked Ward 57 councillor Dino Petersen for his continued commitment to serving Eden Park and neighbouring communities.
Education and sport go hand in hand
Maile said partnerships between the Departments of Education and Sport, Arts and Culture are essential in creating opportunities for young people.
He said initiatives such as the new sports facility show the importance of collaboration between government departments.
“Sport can help us fight poverty, unemployment and inequality. We want learners to make full use of this opportunity, and we call on communities to protect this facility because it belongs to everyone.”
A facility for learners and the community
Eden Park Secondary School principal Richard Mbaco welcomed the investment, saying the facility would benefit both learners and the wider community.
“We believe education extends beyond the classroom. This court will encourage learners to come to school, participate in sport and improve their academic results.”
He appealed to residents to help safeguard the court.
“This court is not just for the school. It is for the community. It must be protected and respected for future generations.”
Ward 57 councillor Dino Petersen said the project was motivated by the need to create positive recreational opportunities for young people.
“When we requested this multi-purpose sports court, there was a reason. The principal raised concerns about the lack of recreational activities at the school and the number of fights among learners, both inside and outside the school.”
@albertonrecord Ward 57 councillor Dino Petersen addresses guests during the handover of the new multipurpose sports court at Eden Park Secondary School. Full story on albertonrecord.co.za
He said the sports court would hopefully encourage better school attendance and greater participation in sport.
“Some children don’t even make it to school. They sit under trees while their parents think they are in class. We hope this will spark an interest in different sporting codes and encourage learners to attend school.”
Petersen urged residents to take ownership of the new infrastructure.
@albertonrecord The newly unveiled multipurpose sports court at Eden Park Secondary School will provide learners and the community with improved access to sporting infrastructure Full story on albertonrecord.co.za
“We cannot say government does nothing for us and then fail to look after facilities when they are provided. As a community, we must protect what has been invested in us.”
