Kroonvale crowned with R1,7m court

GRAAFF-REINET NEWS - Kroonvale Primary School in Graaff-Reinet was rewarded a state-of-the-art, multi-purpose sports court worth R1,7 million on Mandela Day.

The school won the court, donated by The Sports Trust, after being named the fittest primary school in the country during the SuperSport Let's Play Physical Education Challenge last year.

"Your journey has not been easy; I remember how we stood in the dust and competed," school principal Winston Hector told the learners during the unveiling ceremony.

The young learners sat quietly on the stands, eyeing the bright blue court, which will enable them to take part in basketball, volleyball, netball, five-a-side-soccer and tennis.

It was the school's sports-coordinator Godwin Bosch who first saw the advertisement for the Let's Play Challenge on television, and entered the school. He hopes the court will be a safe escape for the children, keeping them away from substance abuse and crime that is rife in the area.

Anita Mathews, executive director of The Sports Trust, said they were proud to celebrate Kroonvale's achievement on Mandela Day.

"We believe that each person has the power to change the world," she said. "This is certainly true, as this competition has touched the lives of so many children, both abled and disabled. It ensures that together we are able to nurture, develop and transform our youth while continuing to enhance education through sport."

Click here for a photo gallery.

Kroonvale Primery School Principal Winston Hector cuts the ribbon to officially open the court.

Hector went on to express his gratitude to all those involved in making the learners' sporting dreams a reality.

"This is an exciting initiative that gives our children the chance at a brighter future through sports participation," he said. "This facility is not just for Kroonvale Primary, but for the entire community of Graaff-Reinet. In a community like ours, with not a lot going on to keep our youth active and out of the streets, this facility is a beacon of hope."

Even the youngest Kroonvale Primary learners were excited about the beautiful new sports court. Photos: Paula-Ann Smit