Athletes In Need was in high spirits when the MEC recently awarded them the North West Recognition Sports award at Sun City, under the category of community sports developer.
“The award has brought me and the AIN team hope. This is our first achievement since the organisation started serving the community and local schools,” said Busang Molekane, the chairperson of AIN. “Besides the funding and partnerships we have had in the past, the award is a symbol of hope for the community and the many athletes in need. It proves that if you set your mind to anything, it is possible with commitment, hard work, dedication and consistency,” he added.
Since AIN was founded in 2019, it has grown from not being recognised by the different role-playing departments, not being funded or supported, to working with local schools within Ikageng and assisting athletes in need through sponsorship to now winning their first award. Busang adds that although winning the award is an extremely big deal, the organisation also has many moments they are extremely proud of.
“We take pride in being able to donate 83 pairs of soccer boots to female and male soccer players with the support of local businesses and the municipality,” he said.
“Another highlight is that the ETDP SETA awarded the AIN team bursaries to study short courses with accredited South African-based tertiary institutions. The last highlight was when the Independent Development Trust (IDT) and the Department of Public Works and Infrastructure capacitated AIN to create 164 job opportunities for women, youth and people with disability within the local J.B. Marks and City of Matlosana municipalities. The employment was focused on the sports and recreation fraternity, cleaning and maintaining sports and recreational facilities and providing coaching and mentorship for local athletes,” he added.
Anyone or any institution that would like to support the AIN organisation can find more information on Facebook at Athletes In Need and on Instagram at Athletes In Need NPC. 
