rugby jerseys to schools and progress rugby team in Port Elizabeth
11 February 2009
Tomorrow, Eastern Cape Public Works MEC Christian Martin will hand over
rugby jerseys and gear to Uitenhage Progress Rugby Club and various schools in
the greater Port Elizabeth area. The gear, sponsored by GAP Management, is
meant to promote rugby in previous disadvantaged areas. MEC Martin said rugby
is a national treasure and all who participate in it, at all levels, are
entitled to free and equal access to it.
"In this regard, the government should play a critical role in ensuring that
those of our people, who were previously and unjustly denied access to the
sport, must be given every possible opportunity to participate in and have
access to it."Over the past years, rugby has been thrown into turmoil over the
issue of transformation and in particular the selection of the Springbok
team.
We have seen trends of racism in rugby. The racial abuse of Ziningi Shibambo
by three men during the game between the Springboks and Australia last year is
just one example. Every South African has an imperative role to play to make
sure that we liberate rugby from our horrible past and transform into an
inclusive sport, which will be enjoyed and love by all of us."
According to Martin tomorrow's event is but a small start in ensuring that
rugby is treasured by all communities. "We call upon other role players to
assist us in our endeavours, because rugby can play an important role in
creating social capital to help bind a diverse nation together."
Date: Thursday, 12 February 2009
Time: 14h00
Venue: Chatty Secondary School, Northern Areas, Port Elizabeth
For more information contact:
Willem Oliphant
Cell: 082 313 1444
Issued by: Department of Public Works, Eastern Cape Provincial
Government
11 February 2009
Source: Eastern Cape Provincial Government (http://dpw.ecprov.gov.za)
