Basketball unites 600 learners at PeacePlayers tournament

Last weekend's event brought 600 children and youth together to participate in games that help bridge divides through collaborative teamwork using the sport of basketball.

Andiswa Mweshe, Malwande Dube, Philisa Mpedu, Ayabonga Ximba, Ndalo Memela and Sinetlantla Mdutyana show up for the love of the game.

PEACEPLAYERS South Africa held their highly anticipated 35th City Wide Basketball Tournament on Saturday, November 12 at Hoy Park Recreational Sports.

According to the organisation’s director of strategy and partnerships, Nasiphi Khafu, the City Wide Tournament is a bi-annual event that the sports organisation hosts in the months of June and October/November.

“It brings together over 500 children and youth from our primary school (aged 9–13) and high school (aged 14–18) programmes. In addition, we also invite 100 young people from external schools around Durban. The day starts with a warm-up and team-building activities, as a way to promote interaction between youth from different schools, followed by 68 competitive games between teams,” said Khafu.

Fathima Chiliza, Thandokuhle Mbatha, Khanyisane Ngubane, Avela Mtungwa, Kwanele Thusi and Bayanda Khuluse ready for action at the major tournament.

Founded in 2001, PeacePlayers unites, educates and inspires youth through basketball, life skills, and leadership programming. We currently work with 22 primary and secondary schools, reaching 500 children and youth from 9–18 years. Throughout the school year, our youth mentor coaches and programme co-ordinators facilitate life-skills sessions through basketball twice a week in schools, and weekly in Cross-Community Peace League Games. Coaches and coordinators themselves participate in coaching and development programming that capacitates them and prepares them to be effective, constructive and productive leaders, ready to inspire and lead others for positive change, and to take up opportunities for their own futures.

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Last weekend’s event brought 600 children and youth together to participate in games that help bridge divides through collaborative teamwork using the sport of basketball.

“Children who play together, learn to live together. We would also be delighted to have you donate your time as a volunteer – an amazing way to experience the day – please join us,” said Khafu.

Peaceplayers members and volunteers Thobani Ngubane, Sanele Zondi, Nduduzo Sosibo and Caitlin Bird bring the Peaceplayers spirit to the tournament. PhotoS: Nia Louw

To learn more, visit the Facebook Page – @PeacePlayers South Africa or Instagram – @peaceplayers_sa

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