Fish Hoek and Ukhanyo primary schools arranged a triangular athletics meeting with Kommetjie Primary on Friday 3rd February. The event, held at Fish Hoek Primary School, was electric and gave all the runners and shot putters the opportunity to experience a full-on athletics meeting to prepare them for the all-important Zonal athletics event. To have match practice on a full-size field is essential for the long distant runners to gain a perspective of how to pace themselves. Many lessons were learnt. Also, it was the first time that the Ukhanyo athletes were able to participate in the shot putt event. What a day it was. Lubabalo Pita, with the help of an ex-shot putter (Vince van der Bijl!) put the group through their paces.
Fish Hoek staff members Marvin Williams (Head of Sport) and Andrew Saunders (Athletics Head) and Ukhanyo’s Nceba Jonas (Head coach) and Teddy Nyali (sports coordinator) collaborated to arrange this event. Community partnerships are everything.
I was almost in tears when the next day I saw a packet full of sports bras for the Ukhanyo girls donated by Fish Hoek Primary. What a wonderful gift that shows the strength of understanding among the more privileged schools in the valley. I am still blown away as I write.
It does not end there.
Roy Meesa, the Chairman of the Fish Hoek Cricket Club, opened the cricket grounds to Masiphumelele High School on Tuesday 7th February for their inter-house athletics. When I asked Roy if the school could impose on the grounds his positive response was immediate. The acting principal, Ms Thandi Mzileni-Mgqmaqo, said: “We so appreciate the generosity of the FHCC. The inter-house athletics is such an important event for us, and we had such a special day.”
Since the erection of 500 temporary houses on the two Masi Community soccer fields three years ago, there has been no space in the township for any community soccer, netball, rugby, or athletics matches or events. FHCC’s response again shows why all in the valley know that we are edging towards being given the title of the Rainbow Nation in the South Peninsula.
Thank you to every single person involved in some way to help uplift the underprivileged townships of Masiphumelele and Ocean View.