''We need to bring the World Cup excitement to the communities''
- 13 January 2010 |
- Chris Middleton
For Nkosana Mguni, SCORE provincial coordinator (Limpopo), it’s important the excitement around the 2010 FIFA World Cup™ is brought to remote communities.
Nine cities to host the event
The 2010 FIFA World Cup™ will be hosted in nine different South African cities, making this a nation-wide event. 64 games are scheduled in these host cities, culminating with the FIFA World Cup™ Final on July 11 in Johannesburg.
And for those who won’t be able to make it to the stadia – fan zones will be set up in each of the host cities to encourage mass participation in this unique event.
One event, different expectations
Nkosana Mguni (SCORE coordinator for the Limpopo province) thinks there is less excitement in the remote communities in which he works.
First of all, the 2010 FIFA World Cup™ is not as visible in these areas as it is in the major host cities.
“When arriving at the airport in Johannesburg or driving through Polokwane, there are big signs and posters announcing the World Cup. This is not the case in the communities in which we operate”.
Secondly, communities don’t quite see how they can directly benefit from this major event:
“Youth from these communities can’t afford to travel to Polokwane, and the price for a ticket is also too expensive for them. I’m afraid that once the event is over, these communities will be asking: what difference did this make?"
“This stands out against the situation in the host city of Polokwane, where some businesses are preparing to welcome crowds of spectators, and houses are being renovated to host tourists and visitors.”
Bringing the "World Cup spirit" to remote areas
Against this background, Nkosana believes SCORE has a key role to play in bringing the excitement of the World Cup to remote communities. During the World Cup year, SCORE will rely on well-established contacts and programmes so that children from rural areas can also take part in this unique international celebration of football.
About SCORE
SCORE's vision is to "Change lives and build stronger communities through sport". Targeting Children and Youth, Women and Girls and Rural Communities, SCORE achieves it's vision by building strong partnerships (especially at community level); through the capacity provided by SCORE volunteers and the volunteer community sports leaders trained and supported by the organisation in the communities where SCORE operates .
The 2010 FIFA World Cup™ will be hosted in nine different South African cities, making this a nation-wide event. 64 games are scheduled in these host cities, culminating with the FIFA World Cup™ Final on July 11 in Johannesburg.
And for those who won’t be able to make it to the stadia – fan zones will be set up in each of the host cities to encourage mass participation in this unique event.
One event, different expectations
Nkosana Mguni (SCORE coordinator for the Limpopo province) thinks there is less excitement in the remote communities in which he works.
First of all, the 2010 FIFA World Cup™ is not as visible in these areas as it is in the major host cities.
“When arriving at the airport in Johannesburg or driving through Polokwane, there are big signs and posters announcing the World Cup. This is not the case in the communities in which we operate”.
Secondly, communities don’t quite see how they can directly benefit from this major event:
“Youth from these communities can’t afford to travel to Polokwane, and the price for a ticket is also too expensive for them. I’m afraid that once the event is over, these communities will be asking: what difference did this make?"
“This stands out against the situation in the host city of Polokwane, where some businesses are preparing to welcome crowds of spectators, and houses are being renovated to host tourists and visitors.”
Bringing the "World Cup spirit" to remote areas
Against this background, Nkosana believes SCORE has a key role to play in bringing the excitement of the World Cup to remote communities. During the World Cup year, SCORE will rely on well-established contacts and programmes so that children from rural areas can also take part in this unique international celebration of football.
About SCORE
SCORE's vision is to "Change lives and build stronger communities through sport". Targeting Children and Youth, Women and Girls and Rural Communities, SCORE achieves it's vision by building strong partnerships (especially at community level); through the capacity provided by SCORE volunteers and the volunteer community sports leaders trained and supported by the organisation in the communities where SCORE operates .
Regards
keith mokgolo