A Bonteheuwel oupa has come to the rescue of a group of girls who appealed for help in fixing up a netball court.
Over the weekend businessman David van der Poel and his workers from Cape Lines and Signs removed weeds from the tarmac at Bessie Road Park and painted the court lines.
ASSIST: David van der Poel. Photo: Supplied
The 58-year-old oupa, who grew up in Bonteheuwel, says he was inspired by a letter written by Shaakirah Khan, 12, to Ward Councillor Angus Mckenzie calling for help in creating a space where she and her friends could play netball.
ELBOW GREASE: Hard at work cleaning, repainting court. Photo: Supplied
During the school holidays, resident Khadija Mayman, 21, says she noticed the girls did not have much to do so she gathered them to play netball in the street.
FIXING UP: Removing weeds from the tarmac at Bessie Road Park. Photo: Supplied
Shaakirah convinced the girls to write the letter requesting help which was shared on social media.
The letter was scanned and emailed to Mckenzie and within days the girls received four netball balls from the Joint Peace Forum, as well as a ring and pole, which was erected in Amandel Street.
Mckenzie also donated more balls and kits.
Van der Poel says: “I run a small business and my passion is sports in the community. These girls are doing something that is needed in Bonteheuwel and when I saw the letter I thought I must do something to help them.
“I felt we must come together and support these girls who are trying to do something positive.”
Mom Nadia Mayman says the girls are excited and the group has now grown to 35 girls: “They got two poles, one from the Jag Foundation and one from Sportsmans Warehouse. They also got bibs from the Western Cape Sports School.
“We have spoken and, as many of the girls are dealing with problems at home, we have decided to make it a social club where they can come and play together but also attend life skills programmes so they can help each other.”