United Through Sport x Aware.org

A Tournament Standing Against Underaged Drinking

Gqeberha, South Africa — August 23, 2024: United Through Sport proudly hosted 280 children from 8 primary schools in the Gqebera township, 5 from Zwide Hub (Siyaphakama), and 3 schools from the New Brighton Hub for our third-quarter sports tournament. Partnering with Aware.org, this event was about more than competition—it was an opportunity to empower young athletes with vital knowledge about the dangers of underage drinking.

Guided by our mission to alleviate the effects of poverty through the power of sport, we ensured the tournament was both educational and unforgettable. The tournament featured three sports: netball, soccer, and rugby. Participants gave their all, cheered on by coaches and teachers along the sidelines. In the midst of the energy and intense competition, athletes also engaged in interactive life skills sessions designed to raise awareness about alcohol consumption in a way that resonated with them. These sessions incorporated fun games, making the lessons more impactful and ensuring every learner walked away with a deeper understanding of underage drinking and the importance of making informed choices.

Throughout the day, participants were provided with meals and snacks to ensure they stayed well-fueled. Thoughtful gifts from Aware.org, including branded bottles and T-shirts championing the fight against underage drinking, were distributed to remind the children of the important message they learned. We were honored to have members of the Aware.org team join us and witness the positive impact United Through Sport continues to have in the Gqeberha community.

“By incorporating life skills education into such a tournament, we are taking significant strides towards empowering our youth to make informed and responsible decisions about alcohol consumption. This initiative aligns perfectly with our mission to create a safer and healthier society,” said Mokebe Thulo, Head of Brand at Aware.org.

The tournament results are as follows:

  • Netball: Isaac Booi Primary School (Zwide) defeated Garett Primary School.
  • Soccer: Msengeni Primary School (Zwide) won against Daniels Primary School.
  • Rugby: Daniels Primary School (Zwide) won against Isaac Booi Primary School.

“To me, these children have already won, regardless of the tournament outcomes. They come from schools where access to sports was once a distant dream, where coaches and opportunities to play were non-existent. Today, they not only competed but did so with skill, passion, and purpose. This tournament is a testament to their resilience and the power of sport to bring about change. Through the dedication of our United Through Sport coaches, who have tirelessly worked to refine their coaching skills and those of the teams, these young athletes have come together to compete at a level they never imagined possible. Their journey is just beginning, and I am filled with hope for what they will achieve in the future.” – Mr. Qondakele Sompondo, CEO at United Through Sport.

We extend our heartfelt thanks to all the schools that participated and to the teachers who supported and cheered their teams on from the sidelines. Your contributions were invaluable to the success of this event.