6 April 2004

COMMITTING R1,5-million to the building of the sports facility in Newlands, outside East London, Eastern Cape MEC for sport, arts and culture, Nosimo Balindlela, said it would accommodate rugby, cricket, netball and soccer fields as well as well-equipped change rooms, the Daily Dispatch reported.

The project is expected to bring economic spin-offs to the impoverished Kwetyana households, situated 30 kilometres outside East London, when it starts in May. "We want to change the perception that youngsters realise their potential only if they go to urban areas," Balindlela said.

Funding would be channelled through the Buffalo City Municipality, and the MEC added that her department had targeted other areas like Mooiplaas and Chalumna for similar developmental programmes.

"These communities have always demonstrated a strong sense of initiative and commitment to sports development. This form of funding is a token of appreciation and to encourage them to reach greater heights," Balindlela said.

Source: The Daily Dispatch