The concept of Sport Against Crime was originally started in Cape Town by a former policeman who aimed to get children away from criminal activities and involved in sport.
Jonathan Hardnick, a local freelance policeman, was inspired by this and came up with the idea to start a similar crime prevention project.
"The project focuses on getting young children away from criminal activities by educating them about crime and getting them involved in playing sports," said Hardnick.
He added that sport is something that anyone can take part in and enjoy, which makes it a fantastic crime deterrent.
Sport Against Crime started locally on Heritage Day, 24 September, when children between the ages of 10 and 14 took part in a fun day organised by the police. During that event, a netball and soccer team was chosen to compete in the second round against other Sport Against Crime teams in Pinelands, Cape Town, which took place on Saturday 25 October.
The George Municipality and the Eden Sport Council made a financial contribution towards the sport uniforms, which were handed over on Friday at the municipality before they departed for Cape Town.
Although the teams did not bring back the trophy, they returned home as positive role models for their communities.
Erasmus de Villiers (middle), George Municipality portfolio sport councillor, hands over a uniform to Major-General Thembikile Patekile. From left: Sergeant Loyiso Shoto (soccer team manager), Lifa Nappies (soccer captain), Micheala Blaauw (netball captain), Constable Luchell Petersen (netball team manager) and Jonathan Hardnick (Sport Against Crime coordinator). Photo: Henrica Veldman
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