Khulasande Wonder Kids Campaign Initiated to Uplift Talented Athletes:

Through the launch of the Wonder Kids programme, Khulasande Sports Development continues to defy the odds to give youth a sporting chance. Over and above existing socio-economic challenges, the coronavirus pandemic has made it even more difficult to implement sports development programmes in the township and rural communities of the Eastern Cape.

Rather than give up, the non-profit has found innovative ways to maintain the support of essential items to beneficiaries during adverse times. The Wonder Kids programme is a long-term athlete development programme that focuses on supporting talented track athletes from previously disadvantaged communities by providing them with access to professional coaching, training equipment, clothing, transportation and funds to participate in various provincial and national competitions.

The Wonder Kids squad comprises of children who display exceptional athletic talent and are identified during the Khulasande Active Kids activations and selected by trained by coaches. These children have overcome insurmountable obstacles to pursue their sporting dreams and become part of the Khulasande Sports Development team where their skills can be nurtured.

Khulasande Sports Development Director, Mr. Thobela Thoba proudly confirmed, “Since 2018, we’ve produced 13 provincial athletes who participated in various national competitions in Potchefstroom, Bloemfontein and Paarl, with their travel and accommodation expenses being provided for by Khulasande, through our partnership with Grassroots Youth Development (GYD).”

Mr. Thoba further shared, “Due to lack of funds, we have not been able to support some of the athletes. Each year, more and more talented athletes need further support, particularly with the advent of the Covid-19 pandemic, leaving families in a difficult position to support them.”

The Khulasande Wonder Kids Programme currently has 20 beneficiaries from the citrus farming community of Addo and various townships in Nelson Mandela Bay. Athletes undergo daily, rigorous training to prepare them for provincial and national athletics and cross country championships. The squad includes four girls aged 12 – 17 that were selected to represent Eastern Cape Primary and High Schools as well as Eastern Province Athletics at various national events.

To overcome the financial hurdles that could prevent the Wonder Kids squad from gaining access to competitions and supporting services, a crowdsourcing campaign has been registered on Sport4Change. This campaign allows anybody to contribute what they can and help change a life. The funds raised will be used to assist athletes with sports clothing such as sports bra’s, running shoes, spikes, socks and various training clothes. Furthermore, the donations will contribute towards sports equipment, access to medical support with physiotherapists and biokineticists when injured; transport to and from training as well as transport to attend provincial and national events for the next 12 months.

All types of donations and sponsorships are welcome. For more information, contact thobela@khulasande.org.za or donate via the Sport4Change campaign.

https://www.sport4change.co.za/campaign/15/khulasande-wonder-kids

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Author: Business News