On the 5^th May 2012, Ambassadors in Sport hosted a football event at the LegalWise Hope Academy grounds in Soweto. We interviewed the Director of the LegalWise Hope Academy, Cameron Mthembu (pictured above), to find out more:

What was the purpose of the event?

The purpose of the event was to celebrate the planting of the grass on the field which happened in 2011. The field was in a very poor state when we first moved to the Sizwile School for the Deaf, and through the sponsorship of LegalWise, and the help of hundreds of volunteers, we were able to completely relay the grass last year.

What happened at the event?

People who were involved in planting came with their families for the celebration. This included Legalwise staff, Hope Academy staff and members, and other community supporters. We had various activities and giveaways. A Hope Academy training display, small sided games for the kids, music and jumping castle for the little one. Not to mention food for those who attended.

Who funded it?

Ambassadors in Sport, Legalwise and a generous donation from Pick n Pay meant that everyone was well fed.

Did the event have an impact on the local community, and how?

Yes it had a huge impact in terms of raising the awareness about the Hope Academy program and demonstrating that the field is being well looked after and is being used in a positive way.

Was the event a success?

Judging from the attendance and follow up visits by members of the community to enquire how their kids can join, it was a great success.

What did this event mean for Soweto Hope Academy?

The event is a reminder that if the stakeholders partner together for the betterment of the lives of future leaders, nothing can stand in our way. The field is used by the academy and school kids from Sizwile school for the deaf. The kids can receive training of higher quality for the development of their skills. This event also offered families an opportunity to spent time together in a fun filed environment to build family relations.

All at Hope Academy express their grattitude to everyone who supported the event.