City’s Ocean View recreation ambassador aims to promote social upliftment in his community
22 March 2016
The City of Cape Town’s Sport, Recreation and Amenities Department has committed over 80 staff members and millions of rands to provide recreation programmes which contribute to social cohesion and a healthy lifestyle among residents and communities.
Making a difference through sport
In Ocean View, play leader Dale Hendricks is responsible for the implementation of community programmes. Dale cares deeply about his community and wants to change the lives of young and old through sport and recreation.
‘The most exciting part of the day is when the last school bell has rung and enthusiastic children come to the centre.
‘Recreation is an important tool that is used to promote youth development, community ownership, and the building of new relationships in communities. It also helps to prevent social issues such as crime and drug abuse. I have a passion for recreation and community work because I know what a positive impact it had on my life personally. I want to do the same for others and help to create a better community,’ said Dale.
New Sports and Recreation Policy promotes community cohesion
The City’s Sport and Recreation Programmes Policy, which was recently adopted by the City, ensures that programmes are offered in line with the needs and interests of the community.
‘The new policy means that there is more sustainability with regard to programmes. It will allow us to build better relationships and partnerships and will create fresh and fun initiatives for youth in communities,’ said Dalee.
Research indicates that sustained involvement in sport and recreation programmes can help to combat challenges in communities such as alcohol and drug abuse, crime and vandalism.
‘Keeping residents active and engaged in their free time and providing a safe space for residents to socialise is critical for real community cohesion and development. We would like to encourage communities to work together with the City and spread the word to inspire others within the community to attend these programmes and to help maintain and sustain our recreation centres,’ said the City’s Mayoral Committee Member for Community Services and Special Projects, Alderman Belinda Walker.
Sport and recreation hubs a key to social upliftment
Currently there are 55 established hubs throughout Cape Town, where over 12 000 residents of all ages participate in recreation programmes weekly. Recreation hubs have planned recreational activities for at least five days a week and at least three hours per day. Each hub has a dedicated team of play leaders involved in the delivery of recreation programmes aimed at getting communities mentally and physically active.
The Ocean View Recreation Hub offers a range of activities on a daily basis for young and old. Below is the full list of programmes available at the facility:
Ocean View weekly programme:
Healthy Minds wellness programme
- Mon 09:00 – 11:30 Healthy Minds wellness programme
- Tue 09:00 – 10:00 Healthy Minds wellness programme
- Wed 09:00 – 11:30 Healthy Minds wellness programme
- Thu 09:00 – 10:00 Healthy Minds wellness programme
- Fri 09:00 - 10:00 Healthy Minds wellness programme
Social programmes
- Mon 13:30 – 16:00 Homework and reading programme
- Tue 10:00 – 13:00 Seniors programme
- Wed 13:30 – 16:00 Homework and reading programme
- Wed 18:00 – 19:00 Women's Wellness programme
- Thu 10:00 – 13:00 Seniors programme
- Thu 18:00 - 19:00 Men's Wellness programme
- Fri 13:00 - 16:00 After-school programme
Volleyball programme
- Mon 15:00 – 17:00 Volleyball practice
- Tue 15:00 – 17:00 Volleyball practice
- Tue 19:30 – 21:00 Volleyball practice
- Wed 15:00 – 17:00 Volleyball practice
Badminton programme
- Mon 17:00 – 19:00 Badminton practice
- Tue 17:00 – 19:00 Badminton practice
Darts programme
- Mon 19:30 – 23:30 Darts practice
- Thu 19:30 – 23:30 Darts practice
The City’s recreation and sport development programmes focus more on non-competitive fun rather than competitive sport so as to create and build social cohesion among youth and to connect the unconnected.
The objectives of these programmes are to promote social development, youth empowerment, social cohesion and community upliftment.
Residents who would like to make a difference in their community by becoming a volunteer at the Ocean View Recreation Hub or who would like to find out more about programmes on offer at this facility should please contact Dale Hendricks on 078 008 9331 or email Dale.hendricks@capetown.gov.za.
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