Maccabi SA with Afrika Tikkun assist community sport

OWN CORRESPONDENT

In 2015 Maccabi began to build the foundations for a meaningful programme by identifying how the organisation could most effectively help the community. The resulting three key focus areas are:

• The establishment of the Maccabiah Youth Fund to assist Jewish youth to attend the Games and experience Israel;
• The collection and delivery of sport equipment to those in need;
• The transference of knowledge and skills to community coaches.

In the next phase of the programme Maccabi SA has entered into a partnership with outreach organisation Afrika Tikkun, Maccabi SA says in a media release. For over 20 years Afrika Tikkun has been instrumental in implementing development programmes to assist disadvantaged young people realise their full potential.

Through their Cradle to Career model, this NGO is making an impact by supporting children from infancy into adulthood and employment, to ensure that they become the next generation of productive South African citizens.

Afrika Tikkun’s sports programmes, which forms part of their holistic developmental approach, play a vital role in helping children develop their skills and talents. To kick off the relationship, Maccabi SA arranged a sports equipment and clothing handover on March 4 at the Afrika Tikkun Centre in Braamfontein.

Chairman of Maccabi SA, Clifford Garrun and executive committee members delivered boxes of new and second-hand sports gear and equipment.

In addition, following Maccabi SA’s 2016 launch on March 13, an additional 30 new donated soccer, netball and volleyballs, were accepted and will be used to support Afrika Tikkun’s programmes at their five community centres.

“The platform of sport provides Maccabi SA with the ability to effectively engage with communities and importantly contribute to increased health and wellness. In a very small way, we are delighted to be able to assist the outstanding efforts of Afrika Tikkun,’’, said Garrun.

Maccabi SA is working closely with Afrika Tikkun to identify requirements and develop a successful relationship going forward. To this end, Maccabi SA is facilitating the participation of eight Afrika Tikkun coaches at an upcoming professional football coaching seminar, thus ensuring the youth receive the latest coaching methods