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A Kensington organisation that is committed to bettering the lives of young people through sport was recently awarded a Civic Award for its contributions to uplifting disadvantaged communities.
PlaySport4Life (PS4L) is a non-profit organisation (NPO) dedicated to making sports accessible to all and aims to foster inclusivity, teamwork, and personal development, creating positive and lasting change in the lives of the youth and communities.
Civic awards are conferred on individuals or organisations who have made a significant contribution to civil society, for their outstanding achievements and service.
In March this year, the organisation serving young people from Kensington, Factreton, and Maitland, celebrated 10 years.
Miles October, PS4L Chief Executive Officer and founder, expressed his gratitude for the recognition, acknowledging the hard work put in over the years.
“We are incredibly honoured and humbled to receive the Civic Honour Award. It’s a recognition of the hard work and dedication of our entire team over the past 10 years. This award motivates us to continue our mission and reinforces our belief in the power of sports to transform lives and communities.
“We have also extended our reach to include many areas around the city via holiday programmes and football projects such as The Magic Ladies.”
The organisation was nominated for the award by Rodney Page, the deputy principal of Windermere Primary.
Page said one of the significant impacts of PS4L’s work was the way they tirelessly developed the youth by keeping them away from negative influences like gangsterism and drug abuse. He said thanks to the organisation learners were exposed to international sports figures, offering them exposure to a world of opportunities.
October said when they started the NPO a decade ago they had high hopes for it, but could never have imagined it would still exist today.
“We had a vision to make a lasting impact on the lives of young people through education and sports. While we were determined to succeed, we couldn’t have predicted the incredible journey we’ve had over the past decade. It’s a testament to the dedication of our team, volunteers, and supporters that we are still going strong and making a difference in our communities.”
He adds that in society today there is a great need for organisations like PS4L.
“Organisations like PS4L play a crucial role in providing positive outlets and opportunities for youth, especially in disadvantaged communities. By engaging young people in sports and other developmental activities, we help keep them away from negative influences like gangsterism, alcohol, and drug abuse.
“We believe that every child deserves a chance to reach their full potential, and sports can be a powerful tool in achieving that goal.”
October said the organisation had shifted its focus to women in sports, particularly through its support of the Magic Ladies FC.
Empowerment
“We want to continue focusing on women in sports, as we believe that empowering young girls and women through sports can have a profound impact on their lives and communities.”
He explains that like all organisations lack of funding remains a concern.
“We face challenges such as limited resources, adequate sporting facilities and equipment as well as operating with limited finances. We rely on the support of volunteers and corporate donors to continue our work in the community.”
October said despite the challenges, their mission will continue. He adds that they hope to expand their reach to other communities across Cape Town.
“We also aim to strengthen our partnerships with schools, sports clubs, and other organisations to create a more comprehensive support network for the youth we serve.
“Our dream is to construct a facility in Cape Town that will become the home for women’s sports development in the region.”
He expressed his gratitude to patrons who have supported them over the past decade.
“From our dedicated volunteers and staff to our generous donors and partners, we couldn’t have achieved this milestone without your unwavering support. As we move forward, we remain committed to our mission of uplifting communities through the power of sports, and we invite everyone to join us in this endeavour.
“Together, we can create a brighter future for our youth and our communities,” he concludes.
