Wayne and Susie McAfee, who founded the organisation in 2008, came all the way from Ireland to attend the function.
Sports Academy George is a sports based Christian ministry that give students who excel at netball and soccer from Thembalethu, Lawaaikamp, Borcherds, Parkdene and Pacaltsdorp extra coaching. They believe that sport is a tool to teach the youth the real meaning of loyalty and integrity. Sports Academy George uses sport to select and mentor students and create positive role models whom other children at school can look up to.
The organisation also recently started the primary schools outreach where contact in the form of life orientation and Bible education is made before students go to high school. Another focal point is elite sports development where volunteers from South Africa and Northern Ireland assist with sports coaching so that students are exposed to training and tours. A tour of Northern Ireland in 2010 not only brought students in contact with a different culture, but also boosted morale as the sports teams came back undefeated.
Students are not forgotten when they finish matric and the leadership exit strategy has specifically been developed to help students get bursaries for further studies or, alternatively, assist them in finding work after school. SAG is focused on setting a standard of excellence and is proud of two of their school leavers who were able to further their studies this year. One student is currently studying education at Saasveld and another is doing is a personal training course at ETA. Next year this number will grow by another five students.
Sports Academy George is focused on sustainability and the McAfees' hope is that the students will one day run the programmes at the academy. They have recently opened a gym in Borcherds called 'The Muscle Room', which is open to the public and is currently managed by two SAG students. The gym acquired 41 members within the first two weeks of opening.
Wayne McAfee said in his speech that they may not be from South Africa, but they watch and listen to everything that happens in the community. They have especially become aware of the rise in crime. He feels that people in the George area can either keep complaining or help bring change by becoming involved with organisations that are trying to make a difference.
He believes that children need to be pushed so that they can see just how much they are capable of despite facing different challenges.
Carel Lategan, who manages the leadership exit strategy, had five of the students give testimonials about their experiences with SAG. The organisation relies on sponsorships and 90 per cent of their funding is currently coming from the UK. They are planning to increase the number of students from 90 to 120 next year and will need to increase their income from R260 000 to R350 000 to accommodate the growth. Monies go towards sports gear, lunch, travel costs and any extra costs.
Sports Academy George Founders Susie and Wayne McAfee (right) with guests at the fund-raising function, from left: Katrina Lategan (a volunteer of Sports Academy George), Ntombovuyo Mrweqana, Siposethu Lingani and Thandie Jack.
Bonginkosie Nqothawan (links) and Thabo Sizani enjoyed the evening.
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