initiative
23 February 2007
South African runner and Olympic medallist, Elana Meyer, will lead the way
next week for a new campaign that promotes after-school sport across the
Cape.
The campaign, called "For the sake of our lives," kicks off on Monday, 26
February when she, together with Western Cape Education MEC Cameron Dugmore, SA
1 500 metre record holder Johan Landsman and about 30 learners, will run from
Modderdam High School to Arcadia High School in Bonteheuwel.
They will pass a symbolic baton of peace and friendship to fellow pupils.
The run will start from 07h00 from the school.
Over the next two weeks, learners from eleven different schools from around
Cape Town will run from school to school on a journey of hope that will start
in Bonteheuwel and end in Khayelitsha.
"This campaign uses sport as a vehicle for community development, as sport
goes hand in hand with safety and security, health, education, nutrition and
other related issues," says Meyer, who in her career has set five world
records, 23 South African records and has won a World Cup as well as a silver
medal in the 10 000 meters Barcelona Olympics.
"We want to keep children out of trouble, out of gangs and out of drugs and
into sports programmes, preferably after school to fill the time while their
parents are still at work. It is then when they are most vulnerable. We want
children to realise how important sport is, and how important it is to have and
keep a healthy body and a healthy mind."
"We hope these two weeks will be a foundation for sustainable running
programmes at the schools."
It is not the first youth-focused sports initiative Meyer is supporting.
Just recently she was appointed as Executive Director of the JAG Sports and
Education Foundation, which will be launched on 3 April this year. The
Foundation will provide opportunities for young South Africans to help them
change their lives and pursue their dreams.
Says Meyer: "After I retired from racing in 2005, I became involved with
various projects to empower, to encourage others to live life to the fullest
and to make a difference to the less privileged children of South Africa who do
not have the means to pursue their dreams and passions."
MEC Dugmore, who is enthusiastically spearheading this initiative, comments:
"If you want to be physically fit, you don't take drugs. If you are out for a
run, then you're not bored. If groups of people are out running together then
they look after one another and are reclaiming our streets for recreation. Put
quite simply - this is really a life and death matter."
He added that this is part of a holistic drive for 'A safe learning home for
all.' "The adult runners from the community who will join our learners will be
showing their solidarity and linking with the celebrity athlete role
models."
"I also like the way schools will be crossing borders and linking with other
schools. Our community-school initiative, our safety campaign, our partnerships
with others in government - the whole range of seamless solutions to the
erosion of community, safety and of wellbeing - will all be illustrated in this
symbolic run."
MEC Dugmore says this is a pilot, which will be assessed. "The programme
will be an important part of our examination of how schools can form community
hubs. We are pleased that the plan is holistic, community-based and
innovative."
"We are thrilled by the huge support and enthusiastic response we have
received. We hope that spectators will be motivated by the sight of the young
runners who will be running for hope. We have every intention of massifying
this initiative."
Greg James, Founder of the JAG Sports and Education Foundation, which will
be officially launched on 3 April says, "Our initiative is already gaining
momentum thanks to people like Elana and especially SA's top motivational
speaker, Gayton McKenzie, who has been very supportive of our cause."
For enquiries, contact:
Gert Witbooi
Media Liaison Officer
Office of the MEC for Education
Western Cape
Tel: (021) 467 2523
Fax: (021) 425 5689
E-mail: gwitbooi@pgwc.gov.za
Issued by: Department of Education, Western Cape Provincial Government
23 February 2007
