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The highly anticipated Siyaphakama Multi-sport Tournament returns on 23rd August, bringing together boys and girls sports teams from six different primary schools at JJ Engelbrecht Stadium in the Zwide community. A collaborative initiative between the Kolisi Foundation, Ubuntu Pathways, United Through Sport, and KaziBantu, the tournament is set to not only ignite the spirit of competition but also address critical issues affecting today’s youth.
For the first time, the Siyaphakama Tournament, supported by Aware.org, will introduce life skills education as a central theme, with a special focus on underage drinking and alcohol abuse. To encourage positive behavior and responsible decision-making, the tournament will integrate the #NoToU18 educational activities, where teams can earn points by participating in interactive games that highlight the dangers of underage drinking. This innovative approach has been shown to be more effective in helping young participants retain key messages compared to traditional classroom-based learning.
“We are proud to support the Siyaphakama Multi-sport tournament, a platform that not only promotes physical fitness but also nurtures the emotional and academic growth of children,” said Mokebe Thulo, Head of Brand at Aware.org. “By incorporating life skills education into the tournament, we are taking significant strides towards empowering our youth to make informed and responsible decisions about alcohol consumption. This initiative aligns perfectly with our mission to create a safer and healthier society.”
In addition to the educational focus, the tournament also aims to address food insecurity, another pressing issue in the community. All participating children will receive a full meal, ensuring they are well-nourished and able to perform at their best. The event will culminate in the awarding of trophies, medals, and prizes to top-performing teams and standout participants, celebrating their achievements on and off the field.
Echoing this sentiment, Nick Mould – Director of United Through Sports, stated, “In partnership with Aware.org and the Kolisi Foundation, we’re tackling critical issues like underage drinking and alcohol abuse head-on, through interactive games and educational activities that will inspire and educate our young participants.
The key objectives of this event are to promote Aware.org’s involvement in the Siyaphakama tournament and its initiatives through engaging visuals and stories, and to showcase the positive outcomes of the tournament on youth empowerment and community development. The aim is to have the whole community involved, including families, volunteers, teachers, donors, partners, and corporate sponsors.
The Siyaphakama Multi-sport Tournament promises to be a significant event at JJ Engelbrecht Stadium, fostering healthy competition while addressing critical social issues. With the support of Aware.org, this year’s tournament will leave a lasting impact on the youth and set a powerful example for future initiatives.