Stupendous sporting donation to keep HACT gogos fit
A recent donation by the KZN Department of Sports and Recreation to the Hillcrest Aids Centre Trust will assist the organisation with their upcoming sports training.
THE KZN Department of Sport and Recreation donated R109 000 worth of sports equipment to the Granny Support Groups project at the Hillcrest AIDS Centre Trust (HACT) to promote health and fitness.
Following the successful Gogolympics held recently, the number of granny groups has increased from 43 to 46 and continues to grow. The equipment donated to HACT ranged from trophies, whistles, hoola hoops and netball posts to hockey sticks, netballs, soccer balls, training bibs, stop watches, skipping ropes, chess boards, whistles and more. This donation will help with sports training for this year’s Golden Games in August and next year’s Gogolympics.
“This is a great step forward as it was difficult for us as an NPO to purchase training equipment. This donation shows how committed the DSR is to our project, and gives the grannies encouragement as they see others showing an interest in what they do,” said Sr Cwengi Myeni, the Granny Support Group manager.
“In the department we are running a programme called Active Seniors where we help people above the age of 60. We heard about HACT’s Granny Support Groups and decided to partner with the organisation,” said Khethiwe Mhlongo, the Sport Promotion Officer at the KZN Department of Sport and Recreation. “I was at the Gogolympics last year and it is growing very quickly, and clearly needed the support of the DSR.”
The large amount of equipment was then divided into nine parcels which were distributed into the areas in which the Granny Support Groups are located. Equipment was also stored at HACT for use in next year’s Gogolympics, set to take place on Friday, 22 April, 2016. “The delivery of equipment shows HACT’s commitment to the project as well as to the gogos involved in each of the groups. The whole community has been stirred up by the recent Gogolympics. I would like to extend a big thank-you to the KZN DSR for their very generous donation,” said Sr Cwengi.
If you would like to volunteer to take part in Golden Games activities training workshops with the KZN DSR, contact Khethiwe on 031 242 1748 or e-mail khethiwe.mhlongo@kzndsr.gov.za.
