The Get Ahead Sports Programme (GASP) returned to Benoni Country Club from Wednesday, October 8, to Friday, October 10. The three-day programme is a national talent harvesting plan, designed to celebrate and advance “noticed” children, particularly from compromised contexts.
The Gasp sessions saw underprivileged pupils engage with an expert coaching team from the key service providers for Gasp, namely exercise and conditioning leadership from Virgin Active, and sport coaching from Cricket SA and Tennis SA.
The pupils participated in tournaments, skill acquisition sessions and a variety of active, learning challenges. Helen Barrett, a former national tennis champion who sits on the board of Tennis SA, said 150 children from East Rand schools were identified and took part in the programme.
The programme departs from the “Move-It, Moving Matters” programme, which introduces sport into schools in underprivileged areas and was developed by Dr Claire Nicholson, a doctor of education.
