A brand new state-of-the-art sports facility was unveiled at Shangri-La Academy last Saturday.
Learners, teachers, family and friends gathered for the official opening that proved to be a fun family day.
The facility consists of four coaching cricket nets, a clubhouse and two multi-purpose sports courts on which tennis, netball, hockey and six-a-side soccer can be played.
Mark Rorich, principal of the preparatory school, said construction of the sport facility started in 2017.
“The facilities could have been finished last year, but there was a bit of a problem with the surface but it was sorted out,” said Rorich.
“It feels absolutely amazing to officially launch our facilities; we believe it will add more confidence and pride to our learners, among other things.”
Rorich was also overwhelmed when he discovered on the day that the clubhouse was named after him.
“I am at a loss for words and was surprised when they unveiled it. I wasn’t expecting it and I am honoured,” said Rorich.
“This is a big achievement for us; we are a small school and we try and be competitive when it comes to sports. We never had proper facilities to train on and this will help with our physical education lessons and uplift our spirits even more.”
The courts also have great lighting system which Rorich said will enable many sports to be hosted in the evenings.
“Euro Soccer Schools will be using the facility on Saturday mornings to train aspiring young soccer players and a NS Touch and Go Netball and Soccer Primary Schools’ Evening League will commence in 2020,” explained Rorich.
“Thank you to Madeline Kruger, Samantha Pozyn, Tyron Paterson, Jade Müller, Lenus Swanepoel and Morné Grobler for all their efforts towards the project.
“Another special thank you goes to our learners, parents and staff who were also an amazing support and help.”
The school also did a lot of fund-raising towards the sport facilities. The modernised courts also comprise of electronic score boards that also serve as time-keepers.
