There was a buzz of excitement at Sentinel Primary School in Hangberg last week when the school’s new sports kits were unveiled.
Sentinel News and MSB Sportswear teamed up last year to create new soccer, basketball, netball and volleyball kits for the school as part of a campaign, which also raised sports equipment for schools in need.
Teacher James Nkowane, who helps out with sport at Sentinel Primary, was thrilled with the new kits.
“The kit alone is an inspiration and motivation to the pupils. Their hopes have been revived,” he said, thanking the sponsors.
MSB Sportswear was forced to shut its doors after suffering major losses due to the Covid-19 pandemic. The company’s former managing director, Michelle van der Westhuizen, said they had wanted to help children in need.
“When I was first approached and asked to help, I jumped at the opportunity, and I have always been that way. I have always had a special place saved in my heart for kids and that is why I really wanted to go ahead and do this,” she said.
Despite having to close, MSB Sportswear made sure the kits were ready in time for the children to use when the new seasons kick-off.
“Yes, it is very sad what has happened to MSB Sportswear, but we have to move on, and I am just very happy that we could help out where we can and help so many kids,” she said.
“The kits came out stunning and they look absolutely amazing. Apart from their kits, look at those smiles.”
Chantel Erfort, editor of Sentinel News and its sister papers, said the initiative formed part of the paper’s 40th anniversary celebrations which were to have been held last year.
“Unfortunately we had to put our party on hold due to the global pandemic, but it was always our intention to give back to the community we serve in our milestone year,” she said.
“Covid may have delayed this initiative, but we’re thrilled that the kids finally have their brand new kits and hope they will wear them with pride. We believe that sport and physical activity can make a huge difference in the lives of children, which is why we chose to get involved in giving school sport a boost.”
