The Netball World Cup is a highly anticipated event among netball fans worldwide. It allows teams from different countries to showcase their skills and compete against each other. Cape Town has been preparing by undertaking various activities to ensure the event is hosted successfully. The latest development is the unveiling a new mural at the Desmond Tutu Recreation Centre in Makhaza as a legacy of the 2023 Netball World Cup.
Restoration of the Desmond Tutu Recreation Centre
The Desmond Tutu Recreation Centre was vandalized during protests in 2020, destroying the building and other amenities. The City’s Recreation and Parks Department has since restored the facility and added new netball courts and a basketball court to the recreation center.
The Mural Unveiling
The latest 2,87m x 5,54m mural has been installed on the main building of the recreation center to add color and beauty to the facility. The mural is part of the City’s efforts to elevate the status of netball in the area. It also symbolizes hope, resilience, and the spirit of rising above challenges to deliver the best. The mural was unveiled by netball community members, including the City’s Mayoral Committee Member for Safety and Security, Alderman JP Smith.
Supporting the Community Through Netball
In addition to the mural, the City supports the Sporting Chance Street Netball program in eight communities, including Khayelitsha, in the build-up to the World Cup. The program involves over 760 junior netball players from various areas participating in street netball games every Friday for eight weeks. The program aims to create awareness of netball’s impact on the community and unite the community through sport.
A Lasting Legacy
The restoration of the Desmond Tutu Recreation Centre and the installation of the new mural are significant developments that will leave a lasting legacy in the community. The City is committed to enhancing facilities across the City and enabling as many residents as possible to participate in sports. The regional finals are scheduled for Youth Day, 16 June 2023, and the festival finale will take place in the City’s Fan Park outside the CTICC to coincide with the 2023 Vitality Netball World Cup.
Overall, the City’s efforts to restore the Desmond Tutu Recreation Centre and support netball in the community are commendable. These developments will benefit the netball community and the wider community, promoting unity and creating a positive impact. The upcoming Netball World Cup will be an excellent opportunity to showcase the progress made and unite the community to celebrate the sport.
