BAFANA Bafana and Kaizer Chiefs goalkeeper, Itumeleng Khune donated soccer kits to various schools during the official opening of the sports centre in Tshing township, Ventersdorp.

The goal-minder was the guest of honour at the official opening of the state-of-the-art multi-purpose recreation sport centre at Letshelemane Primary School.

The recreation centre worth R500 00 was built by national sport department.

North West education and sport development deputy director general, Stephaniah Semaswe said her department welcomed the donation. She said sport was very important in the childhood development of any kid.

“We want to send our gratitude to Itumeleng Khune and national department of sport. We need more recreation facilities for our schools and communities. I believe recreation infrastructure is necessary in keeping our community sustainable.

“They are vital to the ongoing sustainability and viability of any community. Recreation centres should be viewed as an investment, not as expenditure. Lifestyle has become very important to families and seniors in determining where they live and work. It gives people a good reason to want to live here, stay here or move here,” Semaswe said.

Khune said one’s background does not necessary needs to determine his/her future. He also commended the unwavering support he received from the Ventersdorp residents.

“A child is raised by the whole village. I highly appreciate your support and to all young pupils at Letshelemane primary schools and other schools, make sure you use education as you gateway vehicle from poverty. Also I would like to urge parents to support their children into any sporting code they choose to embark on.

“It was very tough for me. I was travelling with a train at the age of 12 and sleeps at train stations. However I received an amazing support from my parents. They never gave up on me. Today I can stand here and proudly say I made it. So here is the sport centre for the young ones to be developed. Let’s make sure we use it to our own benefit,” Khune said.

He added that recreation centres build personal and community successes.

Khune said that those successes contribute to developing successful youth, as well as being perceived as a successful community.

Letshelemane Primary School principal, Jacobeth Nong said they welcome the newly built multi-purpose centre. She said the pupils will benefit from it and they will continue to develop more stars.

“We have developed many athletes from the school. We have the Khune brothers, Lucky and Itumeleng. And we will continue to produce more. Even thought we often do not have the programs or facilities to develop our own athletes, we believe the new facilities would provide us with new opportunities,” Nong said.

Ventersdorp acting mayor, Trevor Motshabi said social responsibility is very imperative. He urged the community members not to vandalise the newly built sport centre.

“We need to continue to develop the vast athletic potential society. Investing in recreation facilities is an investment in a healthy community. Developing a healthy lifestyle will reduce traditional healthcare costs.

“As taxpayers, we want to be investing in wellness so we can reduce the unsustainable cost of healthcare. We welcome the newly-built multipurpose centre,” Motshabi said.

-TDN

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