The Darling Health and Sport Centre

Opening Times of The Darling Health and Sport Centre
The Darling Health and Sport Centre is open at the following times:

Monday - Friday : 11h00 - 19h00
Saturday 09h00 - 19h00
Sunday 12h00-18h00
Entrance Fee - R 5.50

Recent site activities

16th December 2009, the day of Reconciliation, turned into a day of celebration for the community of Darling. It was the opening of the Darling Health and Sport Centre. The long wait was over and excited children were qeueing to be the first to swim in the newly built swimming pool. The weather played along wonderfully, sunshine and azure blue skies permitted wonderful swimming and splashing. Laughter filled the air and shrieks of joy could be heard from a distance.

What is the Darling Health and Sport Centre?

The Darling Health and Sport Centre consists of a swimming pool, activities centre and learning centre. Later phases include upgrading the clinic and establishing further sporting grounds. The focus will be on encouraging a fit, healthy and productive lifestyle, building of a community spirit, enhancing self-confidence and harmony. The ultimate objective is to contribute to the prevention of HIV and AIDS, substance abuse, violence and crime.

Why does Darling need this Centre?

Darling is a village consisting of 10,000 people, 4,000 of whom are under the age of 18. A majority of the population live in RDP houses. As with many housing projects of this kind there are very few communal facilities available. Unemployment and the prevalence of drugs, violence, crime, alcohol abuse and HIV/AIDS pose major challenges to the community at large, in particular to the youth. The lack of any leisure infrastructure and facilities to support an active and healthy lifestyle is contributing significantly to their vulnerability and prevents them from reaching their full potential. It is not only the youth, however that stand to benefit from a healthy lifestyle. Rates of diabetes and heart disease are high in Darling's adult population.

Archbishop Tutu said the following about this remarkable project:
“…these facilities will be life changing to the young people in this town and their parents. The investment in their community will send the message that they matter, that they can be proud of where they come from and that the youth do have a future. I know from my own childhood what difference it can make when someone takes an interest and cares.”

How can I get involved?

Thus far we have raised R1.5million. As of 10 August, we still need R370,000 to complete the first phase of the Darling Health and Sport Centre. A further R650,000 is required to complete the Learning Centre (ECD) and the activities room.

We have in this process partnered with amazing individuals, organisations and donors in order to complete this Centre. We continue to look for partners and donors. Everyone, from book shops, schools, wine estates, corporates, foundations, individuals to families have become involved in this campaign. We invite you to join us too!

What role does the Swartland Municipality fill?

The Swartland Municipality has made land available for both the immediate and longer-term components of the Darling Health and Sport Centre. They have been consulted on the project from the outset, have given it its full support and will be involved throughout the process. Once completed, the municipality will take over responsibility for the running of the centre as part of its infrastructure and community development. The training of all staff and employment will occur through the structures of the Swartland Municipality.

Downloads

Latest Project Plan

Letter of Endorsement from Archbishop Desmond Tutu

Site Plan

Contact Details

Construction Project Manager
Will van der Merwe
E-mail: will@merwede.co.za

For media, funding or other information,
please contact Lara van Lelyveld
owen@thedarlingtrust.org

Banking Details

Account name: ‘Darling Health and Sport Centre’
Bank: Standard Bank
Branch: Darling
Branch code: 05-01-11
Swift code: SBZAZAJJ
Account no: 08-326-039-0

Patrons

Archbishop Emeritus Desmond Tutu
Pieter-Dirk Uys
Sabine Plattner