Powerade’s ‘pause is power’ campaign revitalised the popular Orlando West Park with a makeover of the basketball court and turned it into a modernised multipurpose court.
The unveiling of the multipurpose court took place on Tuesday, November 28.
It is always great to witness companies becoming a beacon of hope in townships, but it is also important to encourage that hope with resources. Facilities such as these remind youngsters that they have an opportunity to choose a life that they want.
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Ramokone Ledwaba, Marketing Director at Coca-Cola South Africa said, “Our history as a country has those reminisces of not having proper facilities in spaces such as these. So, as an organisation we want to partner and show up in communities that purchase our products.”
Unwavering in its belief, Powerade believes that ‘Coming Back Strong Starts with a Pause’. This powerful tagline masterfully encapsulates the brand’s commitment not only to providing athletes and ordinary citizens with hydration and replenishment, but also to igniting their inner tenacity to overcome obstacles and re-emerge even more motivated and stronger.
“Allowing young people to have that moment to live out their dreams, becoming the next Teko Modise, Josta Dladla and Siya Kolisi. Giving them that hope they need to continue pushing,” said Ledwaba.
According to Linda Mtambo, a product of Mzimhlophe Township and a Sekhukhune FC Captain, this facility is going to have a huge impact on this community and not only for talented kids but it will keep a lot of children off the streets.
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Most of the time when young people don’t have proper facilities or encouragement to cater for their needs. They tend to lose motivation and resort to substance abuse.
“It is important to be a close reference in your community and stop blaming young people for the choices they make. They give in to substances because they grow up being exposed to that environment,” said Mtambo.
“But when we are close to them, it revokes a sense of hope that greatness can happen to them as well. I am not just a beacon of hope but I am present in my township.”