Local youth to engage in the second OR Tambo Soncini Social Cohesion Games
The lives and friendship of OR Tambo and the late Italian, Giuseppe Soncini, are set to be celebrated in sport, as the OR Tambo Soncini Social Cohesion Games return for a second edition this year.
The Gauteng Department of Sport, Arts, Culture and Recreation, in partnership with the metro and the Gauteng Sports Confederation, will host the second edition of the OR Tambo-Soncini Social Cohesion Games.
The two-day event will run from October 27 to 28 at Germiston Stadium.
This initiative is part of preserving the memory of OR Tambo, a remarkable hero of the nation who helped shape South Africa’s constitutional democracy.
The games also serve to preserve his influence in gaining the country international friends but most importantly forging international unity and social cohesion, which has been spoken of greatly.
The games honour the relationship Tambo had with the late Italian, Giuseppe Soncini.
Soncini played a critical role in supporting SA’s liberation during apartheid.
The Soncini family opened their home to Tambo while he was in exile in Italy.
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Thousands of young athletes from across Gauteng and a team from Italy are expected to participate in six different sporting codes, including athletics, basketball, football, netball, rugby and swimming.
“We are encouraged to see the growth and influence these games have in building strengthening social relationships among participants and the people of Gauteng.
“This is only the second edition but interest is growing, especially among the participants with support from their parents,” said Faith Mazibuko, Gauteng MEC for Sport, Arts, Culture and Recreation.
Entrance to the games is free for the action-packed two days showcasing the best of the province’s young sporting talent.
“We are happy to be giving all these youngsters an opportunity of a lifetime, many of whom would never even dream of.
“We are not only bringing the raw and hidden talent out but building sporting excellence for Gauteng, the home of champions,” said Mazibuko.
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According to the MEC, it is also important to note these games are not just about fun and play but also offer capacity building courses in sport administration, sport management, technical officiating and coaching.
“We are also inviting communities to be part of this initiative and urge them to support all participants who will be taking part in these games.
“We encourage them to see what happens there and be motivated to be active participants in years to come,” she added.
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