A collaborative sports initiative between Pellsrus Primary School, Island Vibe, and United Through Sports has benefited more than 200 learners during the recent school holidays.
The four-day sports camp, which began on April 29, aimed to develop sport skills while providing a safe environment and valuable life skills coaching for learners at Pellsrus Primary.
Lorenda Cleaven, Sports Head at Pellsrus Primary, said that the initiative began in December 2024.
She said that initially United Through Sports wanted to bring the programme to Pellsrus Primary to support learners and teachers, but since the school was so busy with physical education, she suggested they try a holiday sports camp.
“Immediately, I went to our principal, Celestine Stuurman, and she endorsed the programme 100%,” said Cleaven.
The sports camp hosted between 200 and 220 learners from Pellsrus Primary, with United Through Sports providing resources, equipment, and financial support for the event.
As Sports Head, Cleaven coordinated various aspects of the programme, including securing learner attendance, planning logistics, and serving as a liaison between the school and United Through Sports.
She also handled sponsorships, camp registration, and meal planning.
Cleaven said that they served breakfast and lunch to learners for the duration of the camp.
She said that a key feature of the initiative was its comprehensive approach to youth development.
While sporting activities included netball, rugby, cricket, hockey, soccer, and boxing, she said that the programme placed equal emphasis on life skills development.
“Apart from developing various skills across various sporting disciplines, the focus is also on life skills because our learners face various obstacles each day, and we are trying to make them more aware of good choices in life,” said Cleaven.
The programme, which ran from April 29 to May 2, concluded with mini tournaments, a prize-giving ceremony, and participation certificates for all learners.
United Through Sports South Africa, one of the main partners in the initiative, brought significant experience to the project.
According to Morgan Harlin, Senior Operations Manager of United Through Sports South Africa, the non-profit organisation was founded in 2005 and is dedicated to empowering children and young people from disadvantaged communities through sport.
Based primarily in and around Gqeberha, he said that the organisation worked with nearly 18 000 children and young people in 2024 alone, using sport as a tool to improve emotional, physical, and mental wellbeing.
“For many children facing challenges at home or in their communities, the sporting activities provide more than just exercise; they offer structure, mentorship, joy, and a sense of belonging while developing confidence, discipline, and resilience,” said Harlin.
Cleaven emphasised the importance of providing a structured environment during school holidays.
“It gives our learners a safe environment while their parents are at work, and we constructively develop skills with the help of our experienced coaches. It’s also for learners to have fun and enjoy themselves,” said Harlin.
While the current camp was exclusively available to Pellsrus School learners, organisers hope to host similar events in the future.
“We definitely hope to have more camps like this in the future because not only do we develop skills, but we provide learners a safe environment,” Cleaven added.
The initiative garnered support from several sponsors, including United Through Sports and Island Vibe, all of whom Cleaven thanked for their “kind donations” that made the camp possible. She also thanked the school’s staff for their assistance in ensuring the success of the event.
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