Paying it forward, the SPAR KZN Schoolgirls’ Hockey Challenge aims to make a difference to more than those who are able to participate in the popular annual regional hockey tournament that travels around KwaZulu Natal.
Growing the grassroots of hockey was always the vision for Tournament Director, Les Galloway, of Schoolgirls’ Sport, together with SPAR KZN whose passion aligned. Fifteen incredible years since the initial dream to support schoolgirls' hockey came to life with the birth of the SPAR KZN Schoolgirls’ Hockey Challenge, the ripple effect is now reaching those in more remote areas, and making a difference.
This year, the team from SPAR KZN led by Nomfundo Shezi and Mfanelo Ntanzi, with Galloway travelled to Khwezi Primary School in the Sobantu Community Development in Pietermaritzburg to meet up with Enzo Ntshangase who is the driving force behind the phenomenal sports programme in the area.
Through the tournament that travels to ten areas in KwaZulu-Natal, the challenge was able to appeal to participating schools to donate their unused equipment. What started off in 2023 as a humble donation by a few players, has now snowballed into a significant offering of sticks, shoes, balls and other hockey gear.
‘Enzo's passion to grow hockey at grass roots is truly inspirational and there is some amazing talent coming through in spite of their lack of adequate facilities. We felt privileged to have visited him on site for this handover today.’ Galloway recounted.
‘It takes a village! We are tremendously appreciative by the generosity of others,” says SPAR KZN Advertising & Sponsorship Manager, Nozipho Mkhize. “Because of this vision, and the paying it forward passion of the players in the tournament, we hope to ignite the next generation of young hockey players. We thank everyone that has contributed and made a difference. And thanks to Enzo for his incredible hard work.”
Included in the donation was the beautiful act of kindness by Ashton International College’s Matthew Sanders who collected 60 hockey sticks, 80 balls and five bags to gift to Galloway’s initiative on behalf of SPAR KZN.
“We would whole-heartedly like to thank every individual and team that contributed to our drive and especially this young man Matthew for his effort in bringing in this ‘haul’.’ a delighted Mkhize stated.
The SPAR KZN Schoolgirls’ Hockey Challenge hopes to continue this goodwill in the coming years, reaching more young players and continuing to make an impact through sport.
Pictured at the handover of pre-loved equipment at Khwezi Primary School are Les Galloway (Schoolgirls’ Sports); Nomfundo Shezi (Sponsorship Controller and Events for SPAR KZN) and Enzo Ntshangase from the Sobantu Community Development programme.