Police use sport to combat abuse

The 16 Days of Activism for No Violence against Women and Children campaign is taking place from 25 November to 10 December this year.

The Graaff-reinet Community Policing Forum, in conjunction with the SAPS, held a sports day on Wednesday morning, 28 November, at the Fred Hufkie Oval in Kroonvale, which has been the highlight of the programme.

The aim for this event was to show children that sports can be an outlet for the frustrations experienced at home, such as being under pressure from unemployed parents.

Often these parents or other family members are abusing substances such as alcohol and drugs or suffering from domestic violence, and the children are left unsure of where their next meal is coming from.

The sports day was mainly targeted at children from broken or unstable homes to show that they do not always have to turn to drugs themselves but can find an interest that can benefit them for life.

Members of the sports co-ordination team at SAPS spoke and encouraged the children about what sports can do for them, and why it is important to stay away from drugs and alcohol. They also stressed the importance of reporting crimes.

It was a wonderful day for the children, who could finally play in a safe and secure environment without having to worry about who might hurt them.

Cst Ruche Adolph, one of the organisers, was delighted that the team was able to arrange an event that brought joy to so many tiny faces, in an environment where no form of bullying could take place.

The events that took place were a six-a-side cricket match, five-a-side soccer as well as a seven-a-side rugby match, played with great enthusiasm by the children of a very sad and troubled community. Afterward, the children were treated by a meal, so that they could go home with full tummies and some lasting happy memories.