For a sports NPO founder, it isn’t all about winning but instilling values in children
BELLEVUE PARK – The sports NPO supports young ones in their sports as well as academic and social lives.
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A non-profit organisation, Thol’thuba Athletics (get a chance) is doing a lot to uplift young people through sport.
Former Greenside High School learner Tholi Zuzani is the founder and director of the organisation which supports sporting talent from underprivileged communities.
During a visit to one of the organisation’s football clubs in Bellevue Park by the Gazette, Zuzani shared that children from 9 to 12 years were participants.
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“The children play football after school. Highlights include our youngest player, 9-year-old Banele Dube, who recently scored a goal after taking a penalty kick. The older ones had been keen to take the shot but I decided to give him the chance. When he scored the whole park celebrated.
“It’s never about winning for me, but rather for them to enjoy the moment and experience. And for me, my goal is when they grow up one day and they have families, to share this pleasant experience,” Zuzani said.
He added that the challenges they have were a lack of resources.
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“We sometimes have issues with using the park’s fields as it’s a free public space. So we are looking for fields to play on as well as sports equipment such as a kit, bibs, soccer boots and balls. At the moment, I sometimes collect balls that are flat and revamp them to be used. I sometimes use my personal money to buy the balls.
“We also recruited a psychology graduate because, in as much as we are a club, we also focus on early childhood development. He said they taught the children to be good human beings with values and morals.
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“It would, of course, be great to have a child play for the national team but for now we want them to learn values and have a love for school. We have a homework session and through this session, I will also bring a book or magazine for those without homework to boost their reading skills.”
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Details: Thol’thuba Athletics tholi.unathi@gmail.com
Invite us to your sports events by email to naidines@caxton.co.za
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