’A child in sport, is a child out of court'

“A CHILD in sport, is a child out of court”.

These were the sentiments expressed by the Department of Economic Development and Tourism and the Sol Plaatje Municipality during the launch of the Kimberley Diamond Cup Skating for Hope event.

The event which was launched at the Kimberley Skate Plaza on Friday, March 26, 2021.

The Head of the Economic and Tourism Department,Thami Mabija said Covid-19 has put all major sporting events on hold but they have realised the importance of sport in the lives of the youth during the pandemic.

Mabija said the pandemic has forced the department and business to find innovative ways of continuing sporting events.

“The skating event will be broadcast virtually on social media and other platforms. We have realised that although we are restricted in movement and the number of people who can attend sporting events, we had to come up with smarter ways of bringing sports to people.

“Sport has always played a vital role in the shaping and discipline of the youth and the lockdown has unearthed more additional talents in some youngsters.

“We provided 105 jobs to host the event this weekend. Those positions amongst others include web and internet knowledge. These ways of bringing sporting events have become the ’new normal’ during this pandemic,” said Mabija.

The MEC of Economic Development and Tourism, Abraham Vosloo said Covid-19 has put virtual sport events in the spotlight.

“Virtual events are fast becoming the alternative for the traditional in-person events with crowded stadiums and venues. This allows fans to view championships virtually through various online platforms.

“The hybrid event through which we are hosting this weekend’s event, is to keep the Kimberley Diamond Cup (KDC) alive in the minds of people, especially the youth, and to utilise it as a launching pad for the resumption of the full KDC programme for the year 2021 and beyond,” said Vosloo.

Vosloo added that youngsters from across the Province will this weekend compete for the prize money of R100 000.

“Participants will compete in various categories for males and females. This competition is an investment in the youth of the Province to persuade them to stay free from crime, alcohol and drug abuse. This is also to ensure that they do not become juvenile delinquents who are in conflict with the law,” he said.

The department and organisers donated skateboards to identified and aspiring skaters in the Province as part of the programme.