Montecasino encourages Diepsloot youngsters to live an active and healthy life
FOURWAYS – Children from Akani Primary School in Diepsloot take part in 702's Walk the Talk which was motivational and lots of fun at the same time. Read more here.
Nine primary school youngsters from a Montecasino-supported athletics club for children in Diepsloot joined 183 Montecasino staff members on the 702 Walk the Talk on 23 July.
The Tsogo Sun Athletics Club has been sponsored by Montecasino since it was established at Akani Primary School in 2013 as an initiative that is gender and age inclusive, fun and motivational. About 33 children join in the club activities for several hours every week.
“The opportunity to join the Montecasino team for the 702 Walk the Talk was very exciting for the selected youngsters and two trainers,” said Xolani Ntsatha, the coach at the school and manager of the Tsogo Sun Athletics Club. He applauded the support that the Diepsloot precinct gives the club because it helps to keep youngsters off the streets while it provides a platform for them to participate in athletics activities and fun runs. “Montecasino makes my job much easier with their support. Diepsloot is a dangerous place and it’s wonderful to be able to offer a safe environment for children to get fit and learn good values that will help them in life.”
Montecasino introduced a ‘buddy system’ at the Walk the Talk, to connect the young club members with staff members who are passionate about physical fitness and who could mentor the children on the walk.
Richard Banda(12), and Isaiah Mabuza(11), both in Grade 6, have been with the club for three years. Both boys said they loved the walk, especially the interaction with other people. Both thoroughly enjoyed the experience of the 702 Walk with so many people, but especially with the Montecasino staff who walked with them as part of the buddy system. All the children were thrilled with the shiny new medals they received after completing the walk.
“The Tsogo Sun Athletics Club fills a real need for physical and mental fitness among disadvantaged children in Diepsloot, while also teaching life skills and values that can bring about meaningful and measurable change in their lives. The 702 Walk the Talk was a wonderful opportunity for our staff to build team spirit and to contribute to the lives of vulnerable children,” said Mike Page, newly appointed general manager at Montecasino.
