City celebrates cultural heritage with sport in Hanover Park
25 September 2024
The City’s Recreation and Parks Department hosted a sports and indigenous games event to celebrate Heritage Day on 24 September 2024. The event promoted physical activity while honouring cultural traditions.
Yesterday the Downberg sports complex in Hanover Park played host to several exciting sport and indigenous games. The event featured a range of activities, including sack races, go-kart races with hand-crafted wooden go-karts made by local youth, tyre races and the traditional game of "drie stokkies".
Children and youth from Hanover Park participated in various recreational activities, such as Kerem, dominoes and giant games like Snakes and Ladders, Ludo and Draughts. They also had the unique opportunity to interact with the Metro Police Service Animals Unit. Entertainment highlights included a dog show, performances by the Parkfields Primary Marching Band, a hip-hop dance showcase by the Hanover Park Performing Arts group and karate demonstrations.
However, the spotlight of the day was on the indigenous games, where participants had the chance to learn and compete in traditional activities that hold deep cultural significance. The event concluded with a prize ceremony, during which participants were awarded certificates of participation, acknowledging their involvement and enthusiasm.
'It is really heart-warming to see the youth of Hanover Park come together, not only to enjoy sport and recreation, but also to reconnect with our cultural heritage through games. This event highlighted the power of community and the importance of providing platforms for positive engagement,' said local ward councillor, Alderman Antonio van der Rheede.
'Heritage is about preserving the past and embracing it in the present. By introducing indigenous games to the younger generation, we are passing on traditions that foster unity, respect, and cultural pride. Events like these are vital in creating safe, fun spaces for our youth to learn, play, and grow,' said Mayoral Committee Member for Community Services and Health, Councillor Patricia van der Ross.
Published by:
City of Cape Town, Media Office
