New sporting chapter begins at Lotus Park school

KAMALINEE Primary School, in Lotus Park, officially opened a first of its kind indoor Astroturf soccer court. The Astroturf was officially opened on Friday, 14 May in an event hosted at the school, attended by former educators, the governing body, turf committee and sport directors from the school.

 

 

Principal of the school, Jagatheesa Naidoo, who officially unveiled the Astroturf, said this is the first Astroturf in Durban and surrounding areas that includes a double court, which means two games can be played at once. According to him, they had planned for this facility for the past eight years, hosting various events to raise funds.

 

 

 

“We have came a long way, we worked tirelessly with this amazing committee, they have volunteered to work day and night until the last day. Last year, we lost one of our own, Mrs Singh, who was the deputy principal, and cheering this project. That was a setback we experienced, but we soldiered on and kept moving with that pain. This facility will serve the community of Lotus Park and surrounding, and it will develop a sound social impact. We have to guard it, protect and nurture it as our most precious gift,” said Naidoo.

 

The turf will help with other fundraising projects for the school, and it’s officially open for hire to other schools and community. This was emphasised by Dayalan Naidoo, the newly elected school governing body chairperson.

 

“Without the vision and passion to be the first school to install this kind of facility, none of us would have seen the final product. When I was elected to get on board and be part of this, the team was already in motion. The vision was becoming clear and all of us wanted to get to the finish line. We strategised, implemented and did the ground work to complete the facility, and those who will come after us have to make sure of sustaining it,” said Naidoo.