GQEBERHA: TUESDAY, 28 MARCH 2023 - With Gelvandale facing a challenge of gangsterism and illicit drugs, the hosting of the National Sport is Your Future tournament in its policing precinct re-ignited the need for sporting activities for the youth in the Northern Areas of the Nelson Mandela Bay District (Eastern Cape Province).
The Sport is Your Future tournament is a harm reduction programme, which was piloted during 2018 in the Tshwane Metropolitan Municipality by the SAPS in collaboration with the University of Pretoria – Department of Family Medicine - Community Substance Use Programme and key stakeholders participating in the Central Drug Authority as mandated by the Prevention of and treatment of Substance Abuse Act, 2008 (Act 70 of 2008). The aim of this tournament is to reach out to substance users, who feel rejected by communities and also to acknowledge and support them so that they can realise the harm caused to themselves and eventually quit the habit. This tournament is the first one after the Covid-19 outbreak.
The two day tournament kick-started on Saturday, 25 March 2023 at the Chapman High School grounds in Gelvandale (Gqeberha), with exciting sporting activities planned. Several dignitaries including local politicians, SAPS Senior Management and the Community Policing Forum attended the two day tournament. Not even the inclement weather on Sunday, 26 March 2023 could stop the enthusiastic participants and players from completing the finals. Local supporters from the surrounding areas of Gelvandale attended and cheered their teams on to compete for the best.
A total of 8 netball teams and 16 soccer teams participated in the tournament. The winners in the following categories were:
SOCCER
Category One (Juniors):
First Prize winner: Eleven Attackers FC
Second Prize winner: Academy FC
Category Two (Schools):
First Prize winner: Chapman High School
Second Prize winner: Loyiso High School
Category Three (Seniors)
First Prize winner: Kwazakhele SAPS
Second Prize winner: Despatch FC
Third Prize winner: Chatty SAPS
NETBALL
First prize winner: Kwazakhele SAPS
Second prize winner: Loyiso High School
Deputy Provincial Commissioner, Major General Thandiswa Kupiso said, “We encourage communities to support drug users in seeking treatment and care. As parents we must not give up on our children, despite the challenges of drug abuse" added Maj Gen Kupiso.