The Darling Health and Sport Centre

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The Darling Health and Sport Centre

Corporates and individuals are invited to contribute to the wellness and well-being of the Darling community of 8,000 people as well as the 70,000 additional inhabitants of the rural Swartland area North of Cape Town on the South-African West Coast.

The Darling community is largely an impoverished one with very limited facilities to occupy the youth who make up a large section of the community. Unemployment is also high and contributes to the destabilisation of the community. As a result the prevalence of drugs, violence, unprotected sex and the incidence of HIV and AIDS pose major challenges to the community at large.

The Darling Trust is involved in a number of community projects including skills development, literacy programmes, HIV/AIDS education, development of a craft industry, development of talent in the arts and music and support to the sick and disabled. With the help and support of sponsors and donors it will be possible to maintain and expand on these important projects. In addition to these important initiatives there is a big need in the community for the establishment of an infrastructure to support a healthy and uplifting lifestyle. This will also enhance the success of the many other projects that are being undertaken.

The Darling Health and Sport Centre project was initiated by one of Darling’s most well-known inhabitants, Pieter-Dirk Uys, performing artist and satirist. Pieter-Dirk Uys, together with the philanthropist, Sabine Plattner, known in South-Africa as the co-owner of the Fancourt golf estate in George, and Archbishop Desmond Tutu, humanitarian and Nobel Peace Prize winner, are the patrons of this important initiative.

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.”

The objective of this project is to create a multipurpose health and recreation facility to normalise and mobilise the people of Darling. Healthy leisure alternatives will be provided to the community, and in particular the youth, with the focus on health and well-being. The project focuses on providing the opportunities for and encouraging a fit and healthy lifestyle, building of a team spirit, camaraderie, community peace and harmony. Financial support for this project will contribute to the prevention of HIV and AIDS, drug-abuse, violence and crime. With the focus on a healthy and active lifestyle, self-motivation and participation in team sport the challenges and opportunities presented by the upcoming international events of 2010 and 2012 will also be used as a springboard to drive the project.

The project is already in progress. The Swartland Municipality is supporting the initiative and has kindly made suitable land available. One million rand has also been donated as seeding capital by one of Darling’s strongest supporters. The entire community is working hand in hand towards the realization of this dream.

Phase one, the building of a swimming pool, is strongly supported by the community and is about to commence. Following the construction of the pool, the vision is to put in place a new clinic, a soccer field, a basketball court and a skate park. Combined this will create The Darling Health and Sport Centre. Bringing the clinic and sport facilities together destigmatises the clinic and makes for a healthy partnership.

As far as is possible, local skills will be used in

the execution of the project. Local people will also be responsible for the running and maintenance of the facilities once completed. This will not only ensure community ownership but will also facilitate the creation of job opportunities which is desperately needed.