This equipment roll-out project forms part of the Western Cape Provincial Kickboxing Association's (WCPKA) anti-gangsterism and club development programme, supported and sponsored by Western Cape Government and the Department of Culture, Arts and Sport (DCAS).
Shai Kickboxing, a member of the Eden Kickboxing Federation, the WCPKA and the South African Kickboxing Association, was chosen based on the strong progress and achievements of its students it has made since 2012 under the coaching of Jannie and Anne van der Merwe.
Several students were national champions in 2013 and 2014 with some being selected to officially represent South Africa internationally at major championships.
The ceremony was opened with a few brief words from Sors Grobbelaar, the Eden Kickboxing Federation president, followed by motivational and congratulatory speeches from Desmond Speelman, Eden Sport Council chairman; Ebrahim America, George Municipal Sport Council chairman; Johan October, the Shai Kickboxing Academy chairman; and Thafier Ely, Sport Promotion officer and project leader at DCAS.
Emphasis was placed on keeping children off the street and out of gangs and to rather stay involved with kickboxing in their communities.
The students were praised for their great achievements and encouraged to keep up the good work and discipline they get taught through kickboxing.
After the equipment was handed over to the club, students demonstrated some of their techniques and the use of the equipment.
The Shai Kickboxing Club from Blanco, George, was the first in Eden to receive kickboxing equipment from local government. Invited guests to the kickboxing equipment roll-out ceremony display some of the equipment that were being given to the club. From left: Johan October (Shai Kickboxing), Nicolette Pietersen (Assistant Director Sport: DCAS), Desmond Speelman (Eden Sport Council Chairman), Ebrahim America (George Municipal Sport Council), Thafier Ely (Sport Promotion Officer and project leader).
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