Bushbuckridge schools receive sports fields from MultiChoice

Learners at Boikhutsho Junior Primary and Sedibeng Senior Primary schools, both situated at Shatale Village in Bushbuckridge, Mpumalanga, will now enjoy a variety of sports on their brand-new Let’s Play sports fields. The sports fields, donated by MultiChoice, were officially accepted by the schools and the MMC for Sport, Arts and Culture in the Bushbuckridge Local Municipality, Councillor Prince Gumende at a ceremony earlier today.

The multi-purpose playing fields can be used for five different sporting codes: hockey, 5-a-side soccer, tennis, volleyball, and netball. In addition to the fields, the schools also received a Let’s Play kit bags filled with sports equipment and playing kit.

Coaches responsible for sport at the schools will also undergo training in the latest physical education methodologies to ensure the sports fields are optimally utilised.

“It is such an honour to be back in the community that raised and moulded me into the person I am now. As a youngster growing up in Shatale Village, it was always my dream to make a difference in my community and handing over these playing fields today is a dream realised”, said MultiChoice Group CEO, Calvo Mawela.

“These fields will create the space for children and teachers to discover new sports and to enjoy playing. We at MultiChoice are committed to continue making a positive difference in the lives of our youth. In partnership with the Department of Basic Education, we are growing a healthier generation of young people.

“The primary objective of the Let’s Play Fields project is to transform the often-barren sports fields in rural schools to state-of-the-art fields that will bring joy to the learners and equip teachers to inspire the children to be more active and to enjoy playing sport. The benefits of more activity among young children are well documented – it leads to better health which helps with better concentration and ultimately a better academic performance”, Mawela concluded.

The two fields are part of four multi-purpose playing fields constructed by Let’s Play in 2021, the other two recipients are at schools in Lusikisiki in the Eastern Cape and Kimberley in the Northern Cape.

Over the past few years, Let’s Play has invested over R20 million to create a healthier youth generation. About 315 schoolteachers have been trained in new Physical Education methodologies. Held in partnership with UNICEF, the programme has reached more than 1.5 million children and reintroduced physical education curricula in schools and communities across the country.