Precious Hlalka, a dedicated volunteer and member of the Rand Athletic Club (RAC), was recently honoured with the Volunteer of the Year award at the 2024 Momentum GSports Awards. This recognition was more than just a nod to her work, it was an emotional milestone. “Being recognized means my work has made an impact, which I didn’t expect. It’s been an overwhelming journey,” Hlalka shares. Even now, days after the ceremony, she still gets emotional when she looks at the award.
Hlalka’s passion for sports and helping young girls is deeply personal. Growing up as a young woman in the sports industry, she faced numerous challenges, from gender inequality to limited opportunities. Her experiences fuelled her desire to make a difference, which led her to create the Youth Alive Sports Project.
Read more: Momentum Gsport Awards celebrates women in sports
The Project focuses on supporting underprivileged girls in sports, helping them overcome the challenges they face both on and off the field. “It’s all about keeping girls in both sports and school,” Hlalka explains. The project not only provides necessities like sports bras but also advocates for menstrual health, hygiene, and academic success. Through mentoring and hosting events, Hlalka and her team ensure that these young girls are empowered to pursue their sporting dreams while staying in school.
However, this journey has not been without its obstacles. Hlalka highlights the financial struggles, especially when it comes to travelling to league races and providing essential gear like running shoes. “I’ve lost some talented athletes because of the lack of funding,” she says. Despite these setbacks, she remains committed, even taking up employment to cover some of the costs for competitions, where public transport is often their only option.
The most rewarding aspect for Hlalka is seeing the young athletes succeed. “The excitement on their faces and the confidence they gain is priceless,” she says. This joy drives her to continue, knowing that these experiences will push the girls to achieve even more in the future.
Thanks to her efforts, several young athletes have gone on to achieve incredible milestones. Hlalka proudly shares the success stories of four graduates in sports administration, three qualified SAFA coaches and officials, and two students who are now studying in the USA. “Their lives will never be the same,” she says, beaming with pride. “They are doing what they love, and they have an awesome future ahead.”
Also read: Local resident needs your help to win Women of Stature Award
Hlalka’s motivation comes from her challenges growing up in the sports industry. She understands the journey and the barriers that women face in making it big in sports. “We lose so much talent along the way because we struggle to sustain them,” she says. “Some turn to alcohol or gangs because they don’t see the value in continuing. We need as many hands as possible if we want to see more women in the Olympics.”
Her involvement with the RAC has been another source of support. Although she battled injuries and mental health challenges in the past, RAC has been a supportive family that helped her return to training and focus on her athletes. “They’ve been amazing, and the plan is to bring all my athletes under the RAC umbrella,“ she says. For Hlalka, being part of the RAC family has been a turning point in her journey.
Looking ahead, Hlalka is determined to continue the Youth Alive Sports Project’s campaigns. A key event on the horizon is the ‘I’m a Powerhouse’ ladies soccer tournament, scheduled for October 24 this year. In partnership with A Million Girls Foundation, the tournament aims to create a platform for young female athletes to shine. “We’re looking for sponsorships to make this event a reality,” Hlalka notes, hopeful for support from the community.
In closing, Hlalka shares a message of empowerment for young girls and women: “Stay true to yourself, your values, and your principles. Only you can get yourself where you want to be through hard work. Be limitless. Know yourself, believe in yourself, and love yourself.”
Precious Hlalka is a shining example of how one person’s dedication can change lives, and her work continues to inspire and elevate young girls in sport.
Follow us on our Facebook, X, Instagram, and TikTok pages. Join our WhatsApp group for any story ideas you may have.
Related article: Kings School awarded the Eyebraingym Platinum Award
