A brand-new outdoor gym recently opened at the Touwsranten sports field is expected to breathe new positive energy into that community.
The Hoekwil and Touwsranten Community Dialogue (HTCD) and the Touwsranten Sports Committee joined hands to open this new gym on 5 April.
The occasion was marked by an impromptu Zumba class presented to young and old by SAPS Eden Cluster's Captain Judy Hardnick.
Dr Chandré Gould of the Justice and Violence Prevention Programme, linked to the Institute for Security Studies in Pretoria, explained the HTCD was established in 2021 by residents of these two communities.
Residents from the communities of Hoekwil, Touwsranten and Wilderness Heights come together every month to learn and plan together and to undertake projects that build safety, trust and collaboration.
She said the HTCD was concerned about the high levels of alcohol and substance abuse among the young people.
The findings of a survey of high school learners conducted as part of the Planet Youth project showed that children who feel as though they belong in their communities, who have healthy recreational activities, and who spend time with their parents and other caring adults, are less likely to use drugs and alcohol. This sparked the idea for the gym.
Captain Judy Hardnick demonstrates how to do sit-ups on the new gym setup.
The HTCD built the outdoor gym as part of its commitment to building a safe, prosperous community for all. The gym will be managed by the Touwsranten Sports Committee and maintained by the HTCD.
While the many sporting codes in Touwsranten will use the gym to build the fitness of their members, it is open to all.
Fundraising for and the building of the gym was a collaborative undertaking involving the Hoekwil Ratepayers Association, the Wilderness Residents and Rate Payers Association, residents from the two communities, the George Municipality, the Touwsranten Sports Committee as well as the Institute for Security Studies.
Funds for the materials and equipment were donated by sporting brands Under Amour, Vans and Asics, through their partner Tekkie Town.
"The SAPS supported the project by helping us to access poles from hops farmers in the district, and delivering them to the field," said Gould.
She gave thanks to Sharon Fischer-Buys, Mathew Obel, Flip Theron, Chris Kritzinger and Captain Morné Heunis for their contribution to the project. "This shows what is possible when we come together to strengthen our communities," she concluded.
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