8 May 2013 – Nedbank in association with The Sports Trust provided running kits to 210 school runners in KwaZulu-Natal to take part in the 2013 AIMS Youth Race, which is endorsed by the Comrades Marathon Association. This sponsorship is now in its second year with Nedbank having donated running kits to 93 schools in KZN.

Supported by KZN Athletics, the contribution forms part of Nedbank’s ongoing commitment to sport development. High school learners from Zwelibanzi, King Shaka, Ohlange, Velabehleke, Ilanga, Lamontville, Umlazi Comtech, Ogwini Comprehensive Technical schools benefitted from this sponsorship.

“At Nedbank, we are committed to the development of sport in South Africa, as it aids in the creation of future sporting stars while enabling young people to live an active and healthy lifestyle.  Road running is one of the prominent categories which Nedbank sponsors. The others include golf, soccer, cycling and sport for people with disabilities as well as various strategic sponsorships,” said Maseda Ratshikuni, Head for Cause Marketing at Nedbank.

Nedbank is one of the main sponsors for Comrades Marathon while The Sports Trust is one of the official charities for the ultra-marathon, which takes place on 2 June 2013. “Our longstanding partnership with The Sports Trust has been an instrumental catalyst in our efforts and we believe that our combined effort is an example to many who have a keen interest in the sustainable development of sports in South Africa,” said Ratshikuni.

Through its 20 year-long relationship with The Sports Trust, the bank has contributed nearly R15 million to sports development through the Nedbank Sport Affinity Programme. The affinities concept is structured in a manner that allows clients to use their Sport Affinity banking and investment accounts to generate proceeds for The Sports Trust, at no cost to the client.

Anita Matthews Executive Director from the Sports Trust believes that Nedbank’s model of contribution to sports development should serve as an example to other organisations. “The nature of Nedbank’s support for sports development is admirable and should be commended. South Africa has massive potential but we need collaborative efforts to unearth the talent we have as a nation,” she said.

ENDS

For more information, contact: Lesiba Sethoga of Nedbank on 011 294 2997 or lesibas@nedbank.co.za

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Notes to the editor

About the Nedbank Sports Affinity

The Nedbank Sport Affinity Programme is one of four multi-award-winning programmes – the other programmes being the Green Affinity, the Arts Affinity and the Children’s Affinity. Since inception in 1990 the Nedbank Affinity Programme has donated over R160 million in support of sport development; arts, culture and heritage; the environment; and needy, vulnerable and orphaned children.

To date Nedbank has donated nearly R15 million to support sport development projects in South Africa through The Sports Trust.

About The Sport Trust

The Sports Trust was established in September 1995 as a joint venture between the private and public sectors – all with a shared goal of providing opportunities to play sport to all South Africans, at all levels, across all sporting codes.

Since its inception, The Sports Trust has spent over R62 Million on over 261 projects throughout South Africa with a strong emphasis on establishing and upgrading sporting facilities and providing equipment.

7 May 2013 – Demonstrating its on-going commitment to community development; Nedbank donated soccer kits to schools namely Cullinan Combined School, Rosina Sedibane High School and Ndima Primary school from Pretoria during the SuperSport United training session.

The donation forms part of a national soccer kit hand over programme aimed at benefitting at least 10 schools per province as part of the Nedbank Sport Development Programme launched in 2010, in partnership with The Sports Trust.

“One of our objectives is to be a bank for all South Africans and football has proven to be a great platform to connect with the communities we serve. The bank will continue to make a positive contribution towards empowering communities as well as current and rising football stars with the skills and resources they need to make things happen, “said Maseda Ratshikuni, Head for Cause Marketing at Nedbank.

In 2012, Nedbank donated soccer kits to more than 64 schools across the country and also invested R200 000 to the MC Weiler School in Alexandra to assist in building a sports field as part of the Nedbank Cup Goals4Goals campaign.

In addition, for every goal scored during the Nedbank Cup this year, Nedbank donates R8 000 as part of its Goals4Goals campaign, which benefits sports development in South Africa. To date, more 91 goals have been scored raising R 728 000. Through the initiative, Nedbank aims to raise R 1 million rand towards the establishment of a multi-purpose sports court for a selected school to be announced during the Nedbank Cup final on 25 May.

“With the upcoming semi-final between Platinum Stars and SuperSport United, we   encourage the players to score more goals in order to assist us in reaching our set target and we believe that this will go a long way towards supporting sport development,” Ratshikuni said.

In 2012, a total of 93 goals were scored in the lead-up to the final match, with an emphatic 24 scored by Mamelodi Sundowns against Powerlines FC.

In less than three years, Nedbank has reached approximately 240 schools as part of the Nedbank Soccer Development Programme. The bank’s long standing partnership with The Sports Trust spans almost 20 years. Over this period, Nedbank has contributed nearly R15 million through the Nedbank Sport Affinity Programme. As clients use their Sport Affinity banking and investment accounts, more money is donated to The Sports Trust to develop sport in South Africa, at no cost to the client.

For more information on what promises to be the greatest Nedbank Cup season yet, visit www.psl.co.za / www.nedbankcup.co.za  or see the press for details.

Follow us on Twitter @nedbank or @nedbanksport or like our NedbankSport Facebook page. PSL twitter page: @OfficialPSL, Facebook Official PSL

May 2013 – In keeping with its commitment to the development of football in communities they operate in, Nedbank donated soccer kits to schools from the Gauteng area at the PSL offices, Parktown. The donation forms part of a national soccer kit hand over programme aimed at benefitting at least 10 schools per province as part of the Nedbank Sport Development Programme launched in 2010, in partnership with The Sports Trust.

“Soccer remains not only the beautiful games but also the game of the people, most notably the stars of tomorrow. We at Nedbank are excited and honoured to be in a position to use one of South Africa’s most cherished sports as a vehicle to give back to the community. The soccer kits we’re donating are not only a demonstration of our commitment to enabling an active lifestyle among young people, they’re also aimed at broadening the development of football in South Africa,” said Maseda Ratshikuni, Head for Cause Marketing at Nedbank.

Last year, Nedbank donated soccer kits to more than 64 schools across the country and also donated R200, 000 to the MC Weiler School in Alexandra to assist in building a sports field as part of the Nedbank Cup Goals4Goals campaign. In less than three years, Nedbank has reached approximately 240 schools as part of the Nedbank Soccer Development Programme.

In addition, for every goal scored during the Nedbank Cup this year, Nedbank donates R8 000 as part of its Goals4Goals campaign which benefits sports development in South Africa. To date, more 88 goals have been scored raising R 704 000. Through the initiative, Nedbank aims to raise R 1 million rand towards the establishment of a multi-purpose sports court for a selected school to be announced during the Nedbank Cup final on 25 May.

With the upcoming semi-finals between Kaizer Chiefs and United FC; Platinum Stars and SuperSport United we want to see the players scoring more goals to assist us in reaching our set target and this will go a long way towards supporting sport development” concluded Ratshikuni.

In 2012, a total of 93 goals were scored in the lead-up to the final match, with an emphatic 24 scored by Mamelodi Sundowns playing with Powerlines FC.

Nedbank’s long standing partnership with The Sports Trust spans almost 20 years. Over this period, Nedbank has contributed nearly R15 million through the Nedbank Sport Affinity Programme. As clients use their Sport Affinity banking and investment accounts, more money is donate to The Sports Trust to develop sport in South Africa, at no cost to the client.

Since its inception, the Nedbank Cup has contributed to the development of young talent, and given deserving players from the NFD and SAFA ranks the opportunity to make their mark by testing their skills against teams from the PSL. Within five years, the Nedbank Cup has become a premier cup competition filled with many memorable moments for the fans, teams and players. Nedbank believes that when combined with Goals4Goals and Nedbank Ke Yona Team search, the Cup will enable even more South Africans to realise their dreams.

For more information on what promises to be the greatest Nedbank Cup season yet, visit www.psl.co.za / www.nedbankcup.co.za  or see the press for details. Follow us on Twitter @nedbank or @nedbanksport or like our NedbankSport Facebook page. PSL twitter page: @OfficialPSL, Facebook Official PSL

Harmony Invests in Allenridge sports facilities

At a ceremony to be held at Tshireletso Public School on 19th March 2013, Harmony Gold Mining Company will hand over to the community of Nyakallong in Allenridge, a multipurpose sport court facility, as part of its corporate social responsibility programme (CSR). Harmony uses the channels of the CSR programme to make meaningful investments in the communities surrounding its operations in a bid to make significant contribution to the people and communities affected by the company’s
mining activities.
The multi-purpose sport court makes provision for five sporting codes, including 5 a side soccer, netball, basketball, volleyball and tennis in a bid to drive the development of sports and healthy activities in and surrounding mining communities.  This facility situated in close proximity to Harmony’s Target 1 and Target 3 operations in the
Matjhabeng Local Muncipality, is the fourth multi-purpose court built in the communities of Khutsong (Carletonville), Meloding (Virginia), and Slovoville (Roodepoort).  The total cost of this project is R 3.1million, with the Nyakallong facility accounting for R 1 million.

Harmony Executive Director responsible for Government Relations, Mr Mashego Mashego, said that these facilities have come about owing the to the excellent partnerships and collaboration among various stakeholders, including the Minister of Sports and Recreation, Mr Fikile Mbalula, The Sports Trust, the provincial department of education, the Executive Mayor of the Matjhabeng Local Muncipality – specifically Councillor Sebenzile Ngangelizwe.  Mr Mashego added, “We have now concluded the heavy workload from the donor side. What we want to see happening from this point on is a very tightly-managed sports programme. Under the Management of Tshireletso Public School, plans are already in place to keep the facility operational from Monday to Fridays and with a bit of luck, and some more work, through the weekends as well”.
The multipurpose sport court facility will be used by five other surrounding schools (three primary schools and two secondary schools) and the community’s local clubs. The outdoor multi-purpose sport court has a twenty year life span. And adding further to Harmony’s pursuit of sustainable initiatives, the facility has been audited and verified as “Zero Waste” and environmentally friendly, which is also in line with The Sports Trust’s “green” policy of helping to protect the environment.

It is not the first time that the Department of Sport, Arts, Culture and Recreation take hands with the Sports Trust and Harmony in a venture like this.  The National Department of Sport and Recreation, under the leadership of the honourable Minister Fikile Mbalula has made it clear that development of sport at grass root level with the Multi-purpose courts across the country, has become more than just a provincial priority, but also a national one.  It is therefore such an honour to be launching yet another multi-purpose court, as the Department have done so 14 times with great success across the province. We are looking forward to see the community grow and also to the launch of many more such facilities.
ENDs

For more information Contact: Carol Crawford, Marketing & Communications Manager, The Sports
Trust, Email: marketing@sportstrust.co.za, Cell: 082 802 2899

CAPE TOWN, BELHAR – 14th March 2013
Pareto Limited is South Africa’s premier shopping centre investor and one of the country’s leading retail property industry players, Their mission is to invest in, develop and manage shopping centres on behalf of their shareholders and to optimally grow their distributions in a sustainable and ethical manner.

Since 2010, Pareto Limited have aligned with The Sports Trust as their implementation partner, and to date have invested over R 3 million, in sports development . This funding has been used to install three (3) state of the art multipurpose sport courts in schools , in association with their shopping centres and surrounding communities, such as Inchanga Primary and The Pavillion in KZN, Batho Primary School with Mimosa Mall in the Free State, and now the latest handover , at Dr Van Der Ross Primary School, in Belhar Cape Town in the Western Cape, in association with Tyger Valley Shopping Centre.

In keeping with the sixth pillar of our CSI programme, sports development, Pareto’s focus is to impact the communities that supports our centres. Pareto’s partnership with Sports Trust continues to give talented youngsters an opportunity to showcase their natural talents and skills in sport which could radically change their life paths. The multi-purpose sports court developed at Dr van der Ross Primary School will without doubt open opportunities for more talent and who knows where the next Brian Habana or Michael Jordan will come from”. Says Kapie WaThis facility is being officially handed over by Dr Ivan Meyer, Minister of Cultural Affairs and Sport, together with Mr Marius Muller, Chief Executive Officer of Pareto Limited, and Mervin Green, Board Member of The Sports Trust and other stakeholders on Thursday 14th March
2013.

“My congratulations to Pareto Limited and the Sport Trust for displaying admirable corporate citizenship. I am delighted that the partnership between Pareto Limited and the Sport Trust has resulted in the provision of a sport facility that will enrich the learning experience of the learners at Richard van der Ross Primary School. This sport facility demonstrates the Western Cape Government’s belief that there is close link between physical exercise, mental equilibrium and the ability to enjoy life. Thankfully, this belief is shared by Pareto Limited and the Sport Trust hence the decision to form a partnership that will benefit this school and community. I am confident that this facility will contribute to the building of a socially inclusive school community. I look forward to hearing the joyful sounds of young learners playing sport as they take full advantage of this sport this new resource.” Dr Ivan Meyer, Minister of Cultural Affairs & Sport.

This school was selected by the Western Cape, Department of Arts, Culture and Sport as they are currently running school sport mass participation programmes in these schools. Dr Van Der Ross Primary School will share this multipurpose sport court with the other schools in the area being,Riebeeck Primary School, Matroosbergweg Primary School, Symphony Primary School, Accordian Primary School, Perserverance Sec. School, Symphony Sec. School and Excelsior Sec School as well as the local sports clubs, thereby benefitting the whole community.

The outdoor multipurpose sport court has a twenty year lifespan, fifteen year warranty and made up of interlocking tiles, that provide lateral forgiveness and minimal impact on the joints of the players. It has also been audited and verified as “Zero Waste” and environmentally friendly, which is in line with the Sports Trust’s ‘green’ policy of helping to protect the environment. The codes of sport played on this court include: 5 a side soccer(futsal), netball, basketball, tennis and volleyball.

Mr Kennedy Ford, Principal of the school says “The establishment of this multi-purpose court will not only keep the youth of the Belhar community occupied after school,and ensure that they can participate and compete against eachother in sport, but also contribute to the holistic development of the learners and students of the area. I am so excited as I visualise the birth of many professional athletes that will arise from Belhar.”

“The Sports Trust continues to enhance education through sport and as such sustainable infrastructures and programmes are essential in leaving legacies behind in our communities and this partnership has done just that by encouraging the youth from the area to continue toparticipate in sport,” Mervin Green, Board Member of The Sports Trust.
ENDS

For more information contact:

Carol Crawford, Marketing & Communications Manager
The Sports Trust
Cell:  082 8022899  Tel:  011 8021818  email : marketing@sportstrust.co.za