Financial shot in arm for George sports development

The George municipality has received R800,000 from the Western Cape department of cultural affairs and sport for the much-needed development and installation of steel structure pavilions at the Thembalethu and Touwsranten sports fields.

Sport MEC Anroux Marais handed over the cheque on Tuesday.

George is one of three municipalities in the Western Cape to be granted funding.

Marais has been on a giving spree this week after handing over a new netball court in Hartenbos on Monday as part of the build-up to the 2023 Netball World Cup.

George mayor Leon van Wyk said the R800,000 would be split equally between the two sports fields.

“We are extremely grateful for this funding,” Van Wyk said.

“I’m also happy that we got to discuss the various sporting engagements and events that can be facilitated between ourselves and the [department].

“This will help us enormously, both in the development of sport for George as well as the tourism spin-offs.”

Marais said George was fast becoming a town popular for sport.

“This contribution will certainly add value to sport, tourism and the economy of George,” she said.

Dr Lyndon Bouah, chief director for sport and recreation in the department, said the municipality also received its share of R2m for sports, infrastructure upgrades and development.

“The annual application process takes place between July and September.

“The department will then award three applicants their share of the R2m,” Bouah said.

“The provincial government allocates these funds based on received applications from the various municipalities in the Western Cape.”