Plea to youth to grab sporting opportunities
STEVE Vukile Tshwete games should be seen as a ladder to the top and athletes must grab the opportunities afforded them in order to make something of their lives.
Those were the sentiments expressed by the second deputy president of Eastern Cape Sports Federation, Mzondeleli Qotoyi on the sidelines of the games yesterday.
He further said they were delighted to have hosted the games in partnership with South African Local Government Association (Salga) and department of sport, recreation, arts and culture (Dsrac) as it was bearing the desired fruits.
“Last year we had two kids in table tennis who participated in the national trials and represented the country in Tunisia in the African Championships,” Qotoyi said.
“We also have three boys from OR Tambo who are in Bloemfontein playing in the Cheetahs development side, because of these games and we even have boxers turning professional after playing in these games.
“These games are growing each and every year ever since we combined the Premier and Salga games we are happy with the progress made thus far.”
Qotoyi made a passionate appeal to the youth who were not active in sport, or who were either drowning themselves in alcohol and drugs to change for the better – and lead healthy lives.
“Crime does not play, taking a drug is crime and it’s not late to repent, because we have athletes that attest to this. They’ll tell you they’ve once used drugs but they changed and now their world champions, everyone knows [long jumper] Luvo Manyonga.”
He also encouraged the media market local sports.
Portfolio head of sport and special programmes, Xolani Witbooi, said the to city was overwhelmed by the turnout of teams and spectators who had come to the see the action for themselves.
“There are no beds available as there are more than 5 000 people that are here, and all the sporting codes we have seen are running smoothly with no challenges,” Witbooi said.
“The officials managing this whole event are coping very well, remember there will always be dynamics in any event but the officials present here.
“This tournament is developmental so we need people who have a developmental state of mind because we have U19s playing here.
“So far BCM, Amathole, O R Tambo and Nelson Mandela, are leading the pack and they are competing in all sporting codes and may the best team win.”
Witbooi said he felt proud about the gold medal BCM senior women would be receiving for in goal-ball at the award ceremony. “We have forums that are organised in the metro so that’s why it’s that easy for us to identify the suitable players for these codes.
“They are a very confident bunch and talented team and this makes us happy because it broadens the participation of sport.”
He said this talks to sport transformation and development and they were happy to celebrate the life of Steve Tshwete with an event.
“We are starting from young ages and we are able to identify talent and we are marking this year as our sporting year as you seen us hosting big games earlier this year.”
He said they would build their team for Mayor’s Cup from the teams that were present at the games.
“For instance, as BCM we have a team that comprises of a 16-year-old and we know they will be back next year. “Even those that will lose next year they will have experience of competing at these games.”