PLETTENBERG BAY NEWS - Several youngsters from the Crags and surrounding communities came together to participate in the Jasriel Foundation's beach soccer tournament.
The tournament, held on Wednesday 16 July, saw dozens of children engage in healthy competition on the sands of Central Beach.
The event was a special milestone in the foundation's ongoing community sports initiative, which has been running weekly street soccer tournaments since late last year.
Young players from areas including New Horizons, Kurland Village, Green Valley and Pine Trees took part.
"The tournament wasn't just about sport - it was about bringing our communities together, giving our youth a reason to be proud, and reinforcing positive values," said Ashleigh Smit, a spokesperson for the foundation.
She said the core objective of the foundation's street soccer initiative is to provide children with a safe and structured environment after school, keeping them off the streets and away from negative influences such as substance abuse and criminal activity.
"We believe that safeguarding through sport is one of the most effective ways to address the challenges our young people face today, she said.
"Since launching the programme, we've observed a noticeable improvement in the children's behaviour, along with fewer concerns raised by local schools and principals."
Joining hands
The police have been working closely with the Jasriel Foundation in support of these efforts. "This initiative forms part of ongoing social crime prevention strategies to sensitise kids on substance abuse and child abuse and to provide assistance to those facing challenges," said Southern Cape police spokesperson Sergeant Chris Spies.
Sergeant Byron de Vos, sector manager of the Crags, said the initiative was part of ongoing efforts to build the partnership between police and community in the Crags.
Mac Cass (director of the Jasriel Foundation) talks to a team of youngsters during the beach soccer tournament at Central Beach.
He said the police are committed to working with stakeholders to foster this relationship and commended both the foundation and supporting parents for their involvement in the project.
Helene Bezuidenhout of Bitou Victim Support said they share Jasriel Foundation's mission and vision for the future.
She commended the foundation's commit-ment to engaging with others who advocate for child protection and the prevention of child abuse, and encouraging children not to entertain themselves with unhealthy activities.
Bezuidenhout further said that they are fully behind Jasriel and commend them for their tireless efforts and daily energy.
"They have no office hours; they are there 24/7/365.
Once again the kids absolutely loved the soccer on the beach. " For more information on the Jasriel Foundation, visit their website www.thejasrielfoundation.org
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