Netball clinic held in Thembisa

The Atlas Foundation, a global children’s charity, collaborated with the New Zealand high commission to host three netball clinics, one of which was in Thembisa last week.

The event aimed to bring together young netball players from different schools to allow them to team up and showcase their netball skills against each other.

The New Zealand high commissioner, Emma Dunlop-Bennett, said the event aimed to bring something new to young people in Thembisa.

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She added that the Netball World Cup in Cape Town later this year inspired the event.

“Some 82 young people attended to strengthen their skills in netball. We wanted young players to get to know each other and connect,” she said.

Dunlop-Bennett said netball was a sport for girls and boys because it taught collaboration.

The Atlas Foundation executive director, Sue Anderson, told The Thembisan that the organisers hoped to show young people that netball could be good fun.

“We focused on boys and girls connecting and allowing them to be together and learn the values of sport, which include respect and discipline,” said Anderson.

She added that the event was a powerful collaboration.

“We show the children that we back them. We know it is difficult for them because of where they live, so we want to help them have additional skills, the confidence and the ability to learn how various sports are played.”

Anderson said boys also played netball, and young people should use such opportunities to upskill their talents.

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“It is brilliant to see boys and girls together because they learn how to treat and respect each other,” she added.

A donation of a netball kit, including balls and bibs, was handed over during the event.

Coach Chegofatso Papo said the event benefited many young people and that such events opened doors for young people.