On 7 August, Minister of Sport, Arts and Culture Gayton McKenzie, accompanied by Deputy Minister Peace Mabe, Gauteng MEC Matome Chiloane, The Sports Trust, Ward 7’s Cllr Lois Simonse and other stakeholders, officially handed over two brand-new multi-purpose sports facilities to Finetown Primary School and Fred Norman Secondary School in Ennerdale.
The handover forms part of the Department’s Ministerial Outreach Programme, which aims to expand access to quality sports infrastructure across the country. The newly launched facilities cater to various sporting codes, including basketball, netball, tennis and volleyball, with both schools also receiving sports equipment and attire to encourage active participation.
The initiative was made possible through the support of The Sports Trust, a nonprofit organisation dedicated to developing active communities by building and upgrading sports facilities in disadvantaged schools and supplying equipment to support youth development through sport.
The atmosphere was celebratory, as learners, educators, SGBs, and parents welcomed the much-needed facilities with gratitude.
Minister McKenzie said: “I chose these communities because I understand what it’s like to lack. Our job is to bring change and hope. I want to see learners in sports courts – not Magistrate’s Courts.This handover marks a significant step in using sport as a tool to uplift and unite communities.”
Deputy Minister Mabe and MEC Chiloane echoed the call, urging learners to use the facilities wisely and prioritise their education.
Fred Norman Secondary School’s principal Octavia Norman, thanked all stakeholders for the facility, which includes soccer, netball and basketball courts, and assured them it would be well maintained.
“We are grateful for this beautiful facility. It will go a long way in promoting discipline, teamwork and school pride,” Norman said.
At the handover, other schools in the area received much-needed soccer kits to help boost participation in school sports.
