Five schools in Matjhabeng attended the Schools Sport against Drugs and Alcohol Abuse Challenge.
The theme for the day was “A child in sport is a child out of court,” and the event was hosted by the Welkom Secondary School in Bronville.
Sports teams from Welkom High, Harmony High, Rheederpark Combined, Welkom Technical High School (THS) and Brentpark High (Kroonstad) participated.
“Supporters accepted the challenge and came in their numbers to support our teams. Matches were played in good spirits and the atmosphere was electric throughout the day,” says Gerald de Jager, principal of the Welkom Secondary School.
“Our teams won the finals of the chess, soccer, rugby, hockey and netball games. Well done to everyone involved,” says De Jager.
Alcohol, drug abuse and teenage pregnancy are prevalent amongst the youth in Bronville and many young lives are destroyed because of this. The Welkom Secondary School in conjunction with WO Dennis Wangra, the school’s Adopt a Cop, organised the sport day to create awareness about these challenges.
“No ‘Hubbly pipes’ or cooler boxes, which are the norm at sport events in Bronville, were allowed at the venue.
The supporters heeded the call and learners could participate in sport activities in a safe environment, free of alcohol and drugs,” says De Jager.
Five sporting codes, rugby, netball, hockey, soccer and chess were competed in.
The school’s newly formed Dance and Drama department recently hosted three plays to address the social ills prevalent in the community of Bronville.
“The first play addressed the school values, namely performance, respect, integrity, dedication, and excellence. The second play, My Love is too…, looked at the impact of teenage pregnancy on the learner and her immediate family and the third play, You aren’t nothing but a…, looked at the impact of bullying on learners at school,” says De Jager.
He says the school’s Norms and Values departmentis planning a march against alcohol and drug abuse, through the streets of Bronville in the near future. “Interested parties and community members who would like to participate, may contact the school for more information.
“The school would like to thank the community for supporting us in our drive to eradicate these social issues that directly impact the learners’ discipline and performance at school. Sport is alive at the school and we are looking forward to many more similar events in the years to come.”
Alcohol, drug abuse and teenage pregnancy are prevalent amongst the youth in Bronville.
