I like to think the youth of today, has the ability to contribute tremendously towards their development. As I go back in time and gaze upon the triumphant stories of people who made the best of what they had, whose spirit lives on to inspire us today, I believe that we too can still write our own triumphant stories. They are the heroes that we look up to as role models and legends, but they didn’t start out with celebrated victories. They too were just like me and you, starting out in life not sure on how their lives would unfold but they dared to take the lead and make the most of what they had available to define their part in life. It is said that the end of a thing is better than its beginning hence I urge you not to be afraid to design your own story as it will be an inspiration to someone someday.

It happened that I got acquainted  to a couple of young people in my community, who were determined to make a contribution towards youth development because they realized that they as the youth had the potential to define what they can make of their lives. I think we all hold the conviction that we also can and do have something to offer to society. Just thinking about it, if you would indulge yourself in thinking about something that you think is missing in your community and simple think on how that can be made available, you would do well, on that note I would enjoy having a theater across the road, I like theatric performances like crazy, transforming the warehouse in Assanda Village into one would be a thriller, I suppose.

Anyway in the early mornings of the Easter weekend, these good people were already up, doing their final touches, setting-up goal nets, liaising with soccer teams, getting ready for the kick-off of a seven day soccer tournament. The Lwandle Sport Complex was the place where the hosting of an Easter Festival for both netball and soccer teams was happening. I actually did stick around the stadium for that entire weekend and what I saw was history defined just right in my back yard. I was told that 22 soccer teams and 9 netball teams were signed-up to participate on the festival. The soccer matches were beginning at 9:00 in the morning until 18:00 late. The netball matches were starting a bit later than the soccer matches as they were beginning at 12:00 until 18:00. On the first four days of the seven days, matches were being played in both Lwandle and Nomzamo Sport Complex.

I was quite amazed and inspired, seeing that families and friends of these players were there to appreciate and support the players in making their joyful stories. The hosting of this festival was an exciting experience and an insightful environment to understanding the norms and customs being employed by players prior and during games of play. I can tell you that the participating teams were open minded, willing to cooperate, prepared to participate and involved in the success of the festival. This was great entertainment to the public and appreciation of the great talent we have in our back yards. This became a time to give hope to these young stars and to pass on a great message that someone does care about their development.

The public was actively involved, participating in the celebrations and the spirit conveyed throughout the festival was phenomenal. They were able to enjoy themselves and the festivities without participating in destructive activities. Taking the time to exchange words with some of the supporters at the stadiums, it was encouraging to hear some of them saying that these games kept them occupied and provided a better alternative to enjoy them selves other than going to clubs or taverns or sleeping around the house with nothing to do. This festival provided the public with a space that they could make use of in spending their time and enjoying the break they had from their work places.

The organizing committee trusts that they did well in reviving the youth to be involved and active in communal activities, that they inspired competence and competitiveness in these sporting games, and hoping that through this festival they helped in youth development, by creating an environment that taught these heroes to take responsibility towards their growth and to nurture a culture of hope that maximizes their personal development. They trust that this has been a great opportunity to share of their resources, as they believe that through the festival, they reached out to the youth by creating a platform that appreciates the efforts and the energy they invest in these sporting activities.

They are very grateful to their sponsors, partners and to the public for their support and assistance, knowing that together, they are building a fountain of development that nourishes the future of the youth that lives in our community.