New sports facility gives Denver youth a positive space to grow

Businesses, public institutions and community organisations have joined forces to create a safer environment for young people in Denver after officially opening a new community sports facility on Saturday.

The Sport Against Crime Initiative, located on Chilvers Street, combines a dedicated sports facility with a 1 000m² community garden designed to promote youth development, practical skills and long-term opportunities.

WIKA Instruments, a multinational measurement technology manufacturer that has operated in Denver for more than three decades, spearheaded and funded the project.

SAPS, PRASA, community representatives, and 20 corporate partners developed it in collaboration.

The land, acquired two years ago, was previously vacant and dilapidated. It has now been transformed into a community space where children and young people can participate in organised sport, receive mentorship, develop practical skills and build positive relationships.

The initiative aims to provide constructive alternatives to crime, substance abuse and social isolation.

The community garden extends the project’s impact beyond sport by offering agricultural training and work experience to 15 participants. This includes six temporary employees through the Youth Employment Service, who will continue to maintain the premises.

Turning commitment into action

Michael Weidenmann, founder of the Sport Against Crime Initiative and managing director of WIKA Instruments South Africa, said the project demonstrated the importance of businesses and public institutions working together to address community challenges.

“Crime and social challenges cannot be addressed by one company or organisation acting alone. Bringing this project to life required the commitment of SAPS, PRASA, local businesses, community representatives and every partner that contributed funding, equipment, expertise, services or time,” said Weidenmann.

He said the collaboration had transformed neglected land into a space where young people could participate in sport, learn practical skills and develop confidence.

The official opening brought together community leaders, sponsors, government representatives, SAPS, PRASA, schools, sporting organisations and local residents.

The programme included speeches on youth development and community safety, the unveiling of the facility, cultural performances and exhibition soccer matches involving WIKA, SAPS, PRASA and community teams.

Investing in Denver’s future

WIKA Instruments established its presence in Denver in 1993 and has remained in the area despite the challenges posed by crime and lawlessness.

Weidenmann said the company understood the community’s challenges because its employees and their families were affected, too.

“We are not removed from the challenges facing Denver. Our employees travel through this community, their families live here and our business has been part of the area for more than three decades,” he said.

He added that the company chose to remain in Denver, invest in the area, and work alongside neighbouring businesses and residents.

“We believe businesses have a responsibility to contribute to the long-term well-being of the communities in which they operate.”

Weidenmann said the initiative was intended to help young people develop skills that could improve their future prospects while contributing to the area’s renewal.

Building lasting opportunities

The Sport Against Crime Initiative is intended as a long-term community development programme, not a one-off corporate social responsibility project.

The facility will support organised sport and recreation, mentorship, health and wellness activities, leadership development, and practical training and employment opportunities.

It will also provide a base for continued co-operation between businesses, SAPS, PRASA, schools, families, community organisations and public services.

“The opening of the facility was the starting point, not the final achievement,” said Weidenmann.
“The programmes, the partnerships and the outcomes will measure its success. Our responsibility now is to ensure that this remains a safe, active and sustainable community space.”

Weidenmann thanked the project partners and sponsors, including Fluidra, Valbruna Stainless Steel, Metallica Africa Trading, SAIMC NPC, Busch Vacuum, LH Marthinusen, Vesconite Bearings, CBB Roedl & Partner Inc., Denver Industrial Zone, Jurgens Bekker and Synergy Commodities, as well as SAPS, the Mangolongolo community and PRASA.

He said their collective contribution had helped turn a community vision into permanent infrastructure.
“We look forward to where this project will take the Denver community,” he said.