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THE plagues that threaten the existence of our communities, crime and Aids, will be a focal point in Queenstown on March 30 - 31 when the Sports, Recreation and Culture Department embarks on a campaign to promote "Sports against crime and the spreading of HIV/Aids".

The department is organising the two-day event in collaboration with other government departments, South African Police Services, sport and recreation structures, locally based organisations, faith based organisations, municipalities as well as community volunteers.

The theme for the first day of the campaign would be "Wellness in the community". This theme is adopted from a high profile national project that seeks to address health and well being of community members. Sport and Recreation director, Mr Nkwinti, will deliver the message of the day.

"Our society has a battle-scarred background. Community members bear scars of psychological and physical tragedies. The provincial and national Departments of Sport and Recreation are committed to achieving normality through participation in sport and recreational activities. They also aim to involve people of all races, ages and backgrounds," said spokesperson for the department, Masiza Mazizi.

There are 305 participants who have been invited to honour the function that has a programme full of fun and games for pre-school children. There would also be mass aerobics display, drum majorettes as well as cultural performances - that include a guitar recital and a drama relating to HIV/Aid.

The theme for the second day would be "Sport against crime and HIV/Aids" which is in line with government's commitment to intensifying the fight against crime. "The Department of Sport, Recreation, Arts and Culture is taking a stand against crime and the spread of HIV/Aids by actively promoting mass participation of youth in sport," said Mazizi.

The objectives of 'Sport against crime and HIV/Aids are:
* to create awareness among the youth that sport had a role to play in building the community;
* to promote education and training;
* to encourage active and healthy lifestyles;
* to expose the role of police in the community and foster partnerships with stakeholders and interdepartmental co-operation.

The MEC for Sport, Recreation, Arts and Culture, Mrs Nosimo Balindlela, will be hosting the second day event as well as the banquet in the evening. Guests of honour will include among others United Cricket Board chief executive officer, Gerald Majola, the Executive Mayor of the Chris Hani District, Mr M Sigabi, as well as the Mayor of Queenstown, Mr G Xoseni.

Sporting heroes to be expected include Vuyani Bungu, Hawk Makepula, Mfuneko Ngam, Mbulelo Botile and Zanele Situ.

The two-day campaign will be concluded with the "Sports Achievers Awards" ceremony where to sport and recreation achievers would be honoured. Sports Minister, Mr Ngconde Balfour, will be in attendance to present the awards whereas the SABC News Eastern Cape regional editor; Mr Zola Yeye will be the mc.

"The message for the two days would be to encourage communities to be more physically active and to lead a more healthy lifestyle, to participate more in recreational activities, sporting activities and indigenous games," said Mazizi. "The two days are also about nation building and breaking down the racial barriers and to bring greater unity to all the people of the province."

DATE: 30 MARCH 2001
TIME: 9H00
VENUE: INDOOR SPORT CENTRE QUEENSTOWN

DATE: 31 MARCH 2001
TIME: 7H30
VENUE: AGRICULTURAL SHOWGROUNDS QUEENSTOWN

Content enquiries should be directed to the Sports, Recreation and Culture communications officer: Masiza Mazizi - 082 378 7847/040 609 2316

Issued by Sports, Recreation and Culture, Eastern Cape

28 March 2001