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New astroturf a life-changing gift

Ukhanyo took on Sun Valley in front of cheering learners, parents and other supporters

After months of anticipation, the beautiful Ingrid Wheeler astroturf at Ukhanyo Primary was unveiled in the middle of November. It was a day that encompassed everything MasiSports intends this new space to be used for: sport, life skills, fun, entertainment and community building.

The field in all its glory

Besides the obvious sporting benefits such a magnificent surface brings to the learners of Masi, the main vision of this field is to encourage social integration. The creation of a Rainbow Nation in the South Peninsula is one of MasiSport’s key pillars, and the new astroturf means that Ukhanyo will be able to host learners from schools across the valley and further afield.

Visitors got a real experience of this vision at the field opening, when teams from Kleinberg and Marine Primary in Ocean View and from Kommetjie and Sun Valley Primary joined us. What an incredible sight to see these kids – and their parents – enjoying the sport and the spectacle it provided.

Hosting matches at Ukhanyo is a seismic change in Masi as parents and local residents will join spectators from the valley to watch – a meeting point encouraging full social cohesion. The ground will also host Masiphumelele High School matches, ensuring its full benefit is felt across the community.

Richard Pitt, Ingrid Wheeler’s son, gave a moving and insightful address at the event, speaking about how his mother fittingly enjoyed bringing people together. This field is a legacy to Ingrid Wheeler, who passed on in November 2020, thanks to a generous donation by her partner Fred Alger. Ukhanyo headmaster Michael Tyhali also spoke of his joy at being able to witness the field’s opening, saying he “never expected this dream to be realised in my lifetime”.

Ingrid Wheeler’s son Richard Pitt and Ukhanyo Primary headmaster Michael Tyhali officially opened the field

And as the icing on the cake, the field was filled with learners, teachers, coaches and MasiSports ambassadors as they performed the Jerusalema. It stole the show!

Coaches, teachers, students and MasiSports ambassadors performed Jerusalema on the field