New astro turf for Knysna High

KNYSNA NEWS - Knysna High School celebrated the opening of a new astroturf hockey field at their sports grounds on 22 February, with KHS "old boy" and Western Cape MEC Alan Winde as the guest speaker.

Principal Mark Mosdell welcomed everyone present and thanked the community for helping the school make huge strides in sports development.

Mayor Mark Willemse urged learners to make use of this and all other opportunities to achieve something in life.

"Carpe diem, seize the day! I was in sports development and I used to coach kids here. I'm still very passionate about sports and to play on a surface like this can help learners achieve massive goals," said Willemse. " But it's also about creating a major boost and opportunities for the economy of Knysna and for business.

"This investment bodes well for the future of our town and through this, the school could inspire someone else.

So thank you, KHS, for proving that with vision and action you can change the world."

Winde said when he walked out of school 37 years ago for the last time he never thought he would come back.

"I never thought I'd be in government, I never knew how important that English class was but today it helps me write policies. This school created massive opportunities for every one of of us and continues to do so. The town has changed a lot but the school continues to create opportunities, and for that I want to say thank you to KHS … and all the teachers over the years who taught us you can be whatever you want to be."

MEC Alan Winde (centre), mayor Mark Willemse and learners and staff at the official opening of the school's new astroturf hockey field.

He encouraged learners to come back one day and make a difference in their communities and in the country.

"It's an exciting future we have in our country and this school is the greatest opportunity to have for your future. So in the words of your mayor, carpe diem, seize the day!"

Learners perform a music item at the opening ceremony.