The inaugural Masi High sports festival was a huge hit
The last stretch of October has been a busy but exceptionally rewarding period for MasiSports:
- Masi High head coach Teddy Nyali’s innovative new sports concept was a roaring success. He, educator and soccer coach Mr Ncupe, and our administrator Nikki Ntsendwana dreamed up a festival that was made up of teams chosen by the learners themselves. It was also a fundraiser – a MasiSports first.
The teams were made up of predominantly under -and -18 teenagers and all genders were welcome. In fact the netball winners were a male-only team from the Atlas Foundation rugby squad! They received rapturous applause from the girls. The boys showed skills as well as height and athleticism!
Five teams from each sport participated and the matches were highly competitive. The spectators roared with excitement. Funds were raised by each participant paying R5 and the winners received the money collected from the R100 per team charged.
The fact that the festival was so well supported in the middle of exams shows the need for sport to release the teenagers from hours of study. Such was the success, that Teddy is planning a dance off with similar outcomes next week. It is so important for those learners who do not play sport.
We done Teddy, Nikki and Mr Ncupe!
- Last week illustrated the difficulties faced by township learners who do not live in the township or close by. On the first day of Grade 12 matric exams, learners from Steenburg and Westlake stood at the bottom of Ou Kaapse Weg, holding placards asking for a lift to Masi High. They were given a lift by a well-wisher, who mentioned the experience on social media.
We spoke to the Masi High principal and arranged a taxi every morning so they, with other grade learners in that area, would get to school well in time. That same morning, destiny played a role. A generous donor sent funds to MasiSports and I was able to inform him that it was being used to assist the Grade 12s. He was delighted
Those of you who know us well are aware that MasiSports’ greatest goal is to produce positive generational change by building capacity in the two Masi schools, and working with the churches and medical services in the township. This is just an example of ensuring that the learners have the best chance in their final exams, to give them opportunities for a fulfilled life.
- On Thursday I was informed that the legend of Cape Talk radio station, John Maythem, had been offered a R10 000 gift voucher from Totalsports that he wanted to gift to MasiSports. I was blown away. Once when interviewed he mentioned that in the gym, when wearing earphones and listening to music, I would sometimes unintentionally blast forth! He said I was never in tune! He is listened to by tens of thousands and has helped us all understand more fully so many stories, difficulties, surprises in every aspect of SA life. Bless you John.
- To finish off an extraordinary week, Alex Gabriel of Cape Town Opera has arranged 15 pro bono tickets for our learners to attend the amazing musical, Orpheus McAdoo, at Artscape next week. It is based on a true story of of sons and daughters of slaves who under Orpheus, had a minstrel singing group that performed to great acclaim in NZ, Australia, the UK and they spent much time in SA. What an opportunity!
We are taking learners from the choir and the Dance and Music clubs. Dr Judith Neilson, our patron, is a major supporter of the Cape Town Opera and is also one of their patrons. It is great to be working together. The show is written and directed by David Kramer.
- It must be mentioned that sports continued during the week – KFC cricket matches, soccer and netball matches, dance, chess, and art.
We are so privileged to work with these very special schools and our special partners and funders.
