KNYSNA NEWS - Stuck at home during the lockdown, a sports fanatic and rugby player Hurley Julies has initiated training sessions with young people in Hornlee, whereby he shows them the correct exercises in a once-off session so that they can continue doing it at their homes.
The Greater Knysna Rugby Club player said as a victim of crime in Hornlee, he is encouraging young people to stay out of trouble and criminal activity, and focus on getting their bodies healthy instead.
"I want to save these kids from making wrong choices. I want them to focus on good things and stay at school. Hornlee is a rough neighbourhood – young people have lost their lives after being stabbed on the streets. I was also a victim of crime when I was stabbed and I don't want what happened to me to happen to these young children," Julies said.
As a father, he said, he needs to be an example to his and young children in his neighbourhood. "Many young people end up being involved in drugs and other bad things because they don't have role models," he said.
Children naturally have a lot of energy and if that energy is not spent on good things, Julies believes, they will end up going up and down the streets getting involved in wrong things.
He ensures that there is adequate distances between the children while he performs the exercises.
"I will be in the middle of the street conducting the session. They love it and keep asking me for more," he said.
Julies' sentiments are that because he has received a lot of help from the people in his area over the years, this is his time to give back to the community. "I am grateful for the support I receive from my club and the Hornlee community. I want to help these young kids to live a positive life and not be involved in drugs," he said.
Hornlee resident Hurley Julies helping the young people exercise. Photo: Tembile Sgqolana
Hornlee resident Hurley Julies helping the young people exercise. Photo: Tembile Sgqolana
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