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Shirts for Jordan: Sinnott 25 Football Shirts bring joy in South Africa

The tragic death of professional footballer Jordan Sinnott in 2020 gave rise to the now famous ‘Shirts for Jordan’ campaign. An idea that was initially discussed around the Sinnott kitchen table went global.

The tragic death of professional footballer Jordan Sinnott in 2020 gave rise to the now famous ‘Shirts for Jordan’ campaign. An idea that was initially discussed around the Sinnott kitchen table went global.

It was hoped that a few shirts would be donated by some professional clubs in memory of Jordan for children in need. Very quickly all the Premier League, Championship and Football League clubs had donated shirts bearing Jordan’s name and age: Sinnott 25. Leading players and managers paid their respects to Jordan. The intention was that the shirts would go to children who needed them - where they would be appreciated and make a real difference. The world of football responded nationally and then internationally. More than 882 shirts from professional, amateur, youth and school teams were donated from more than 28 different countries. These shirts were displayed at Jordan’s funeral which was held at Bradford City FC. The shirts have subsequently gone around the world to some of the poorest children on the planet who love the game of football and other sports.

Jordan was a great supporter of the Bambisanani Partnership that started in his former school, St. Mary’s, Menston. For the last sixteen years the multi award winning charity has worked in one of South Africa’s most deprived rural areas in KwaZulu-Natal using the power of sport to change lives. David Geldart who founded the partnership had worked with Jordan since he was at primary school through to him becoming a professional footballer. Sinnott 25 shirts have recently arrived at two Bambisanani schools in South Africa, Mnyakanya High School and Vumanhlamvu Primary School, where they are being used for football, netball and PE lessons.

David said; “When I first visited South Africa it was remarkable to see just how important football was to the Zulu community. My first experience was watching a large group of youngsters playing barefoot on rough ground using plastic bags tied together as their football. Despite few homes having electricity or TV’s the children had an amazing knowledge of world football and in particular the Premier League. Over the years, in partnership with the local community, we have been able bring some much-needed football equipment to the area to develop the game and coach education. In addition to this we also use football-based resources to promote literacy and numeracy in schools. To have a ‘real’ football shirt is something incredibly special for these children and perhaps more appreciated than in more affluent parts of the world where such a possession can all too often be taken for granted. Jordan cared about many things and he was certainly very taken with our work in South Africa and the power of sport to make a real difference in the world. Jordan’s mum, Mel, gave the partnership 100 of these shirts for South Africa but Covid struck and effectively stopped our visits for almost two and a half years. I didn’t dare risk posting such precious cargo and wanted the shirts to be delivered in person by some of our team which we were able to do recently. It is absolutely amazing what joy and excitement these shirts have brought to Mnyakanya High School and Vumanhlamvu Primary School, both set in the remote rural hills of Nkandla. The impact is simply phenomenal and really has to be seen to be believed. Jordan would have loved to see this and I know how much this amazing legacy means to Jordan’s family.”

William Vilakazi Principal of Vumanhlanvu Primary School said, “It is an absolute honour to have these famous shirts that remember Jordan in our school. We serve a very poor community where sports equipment is difficult to come by. These shirts will be kept at the school and used by different learners for sports; we will use them for soccer matches as well. We have annual awards in memory of Jordan and the football shirts will be a constant reminder about striving to be the best that you can be. These shirts connect young people globally in sport; what a wonderful legacy that is for Jordan and his family!”

“To have young people in South Africa with the Sinnott name on their backs makes our whole family very proud.” Tom Sinnott, Jordan’s brother

An absolutely wonderful book has been produced which includes photographs of all the shirts donated. All proceeds go to the Jordan Sinnott Foundation Trust

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Special Christmas messages from the Bambisanani founding schools

St. Mary’s, Menston and Mnyakanya School in South Africa founded the Bambisanani Partnership together sixteen years ago.

St. Mary’s, Menston and Mnyakanya School in South Africa founded the Bambisanani Partnership together sixteen years ago.

The annual Christmas messages to each other reflect the special bond that exists between the two schools and their commitment to ‘work together and learn together’.

St. Mary’s Menston


A Christmas message to Mnyakanya High School, 2022

Dear friends, Ubuntu.

Our Avent theme this year is:

Faith Hope Joy Love Light

We are two communities joined by Faith and we share a mutual Love of one another.

Our partnership brings unimaginable Joy to so many and our Hope is that our work continues for generations to come.

We pray that God’s Light shines upon you all during this blessed season of Advent and especially so this Christmas.

With love from St. Mary’s community.


Mnyakayna High School


A Christmas message from Mnyakanya High School in South Africa to St. Mary’s Menston

This is a special time of the year when we at Mnyakanya High School take our time to look back and count our blessings for the year we have just had.

We would like to say that St. Mary’s Menston has been a great blessing to the Mnyakanya community over the last 16 years.

The love that you have shown us, has healed the wounds of many people in our community. 

St. Mary’s have become part of the Mnyakanya family and its community. It is unbelievable that St. Marys is located more than 9,000 miles away from Mnyakanya, but we feel like you sense all our situations and our needs. It is amazing that we can chat and plan things together as if we are living in the same place.

We are always learning from your culture and from your humanity. You have helped us create a culture of caring for others, humbleness and Ubuntu, I am because we are.

We would like to wish you all a MERRY CHRISTMAS that is full of all the blessings from God.

May God bless you ALL with a healthy life and prosperity throughout your life.

With love from the Mnyakanya Community

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Jordan Sinnott Awards inspire young people in South Africa and in Leeds

It is now almost three years since the tragic death of professional footballer Jordan Sinnott. A former student of St. Mary’s School, Menston, Jordan was a great supporter of the Bambisanani Partnership and its work using the power of sport to change lives in one of South Africa’s most challenging rural areas. Annual awards have recently been presented in both countries in memory of Jordan.

It is now almost three years since the tragic death of professional footballer Jordan Sinnott. A former student of St. Mary’s School, Menston, Jordan was a great supporter of the Bambisanani Partnership and its work using the power of sport to change lives in one of South Africa’s most challenging rural areas. Annual awards have recently been presented in both countries in memory of Jordan.

Three awards have been presented at Vumanhlamvu Primary School which is set deep in rural KwaZulu-Natal. The Principal of the school, Mr William Vilakazi, had had the pleasure of meeting Jordan when he visited St. Mary’s several years ago. The special awards ceremony took place amidst great anticipation and excitement.

The winners of the Jordan Sinnott Memorial Awards at Vumanhlamvu for 2022 were duly announced.

Sports Leader of the Year: Slindokuhle Mvelase

Sportswoman of the Year: Ayanda Ngonyama

Sportsman of the Year: Siyanda Buthelezi

Mr Vilazaki said “These awards inspire our learners in sport and also in other areas of school life. They recognise and celebrate talent and determination. I had the great pleasure of meeting Jordan, I remember him well, I remember his smile. We remember Jordan very much at Vumanhlamvu; these awards are very special and are known to all in our school and the community. There is great competition to lift these trophies, the winners understand what an honour it is. Jordan, the Sinnott family and the Bambisanani Partnership are always in our prayers.”

Whilst a little overwhelmed the winners were overjoyed to receive the prestigious awards:

Sports Leader of the Year: Slindokuhle Mvelase 

“I would like to thank the Sinnott family and Bambisanani for recognizing my talent in sports leadership and for the donation of many soccer jerseys to our school. May God bless you all”

Sportswoman of the Year: Ayanda Ngonyama

“The Jordan Sinnott awards encourage sports at our school. In order to lift one of the famous awards you have to be good and take sports seriously. I am very proud to be named Sportswoman of the Year. Thanks to Jordan’s family for the t-shirts given to our school and not forgetting the Bambisanani Partnership; we really appreciate you as well.”

Sportsman of the Year: Siyanda Buthelezi

“I would like to thank the Bambisanani Partnership and the Sinnott family for this special award and for the soccer jersey. I feel like a great soccer star. It was a tough year in sports and I competed hard to get this award.”

 

At St. Mary’s, Menston the Jordan Sinnott Memorial Award recognises a Year 11 student who has made ‘an outstanding contribution to football’.

Joe Brooks and Councillor Abigail Marshall Katung

The 2022 Jordan Sinnott Award at St. Mary’s was presented at the Year 11 Celebration Evening. The very worthy recipient was Joe Brooks who received the prestigious award from special guest, Councillor Abigail Marshall Katung.  

Mr Tom Pringle from St. Mary’s was full of praise for Joe: “Joe is an extremely talented footballer who is technically very gifted. His work rate on the pitch is reflective of his general attitude in and around school. He is very competitive but plays the game in the correct manner, always maintaining an outstanding level of sportsmanship, which both the Physical Education department and school encourage and are very proud of. Joe plays to a high level outside of school and really enjoys the sport and this has shown for the five years he has been at St. Mary’s. Well done, Joe, this tremendous honour is thoroughly deserved.”

David Geldart from the partnership commented, “Congratulations to Slindokuhle, Ayanda,Siyanda and Joe, you have achieved great recognition for your all your hard work and we will watch your continued progress with great interest. Special thanks to the Vumanhlamvu and St. Mary’s teams for embracing these awards and for providing the learners with so many value driven opportunities in sport. Having worked closely with Jordan since he was at primary school, I am delighted he is continuing to inspire young people in both countries. These annual awards mean so much to Jordan’s family and friends; it would be impossible to overstate their importance. The impact of these awards is just amazing; Jordan would certainly approve!”

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Thobile and Gcinile receive Bambisanani Partnership University Bursaries

Thobile Prudence Nsibande and Gcinile Msweli have received university study bursaries from the UK based charity, The Bambisanani Partnership.

Thobile Prudence Nsibande and Gcinile Msweli have received university study bursaries from the UK based charity, The Bambisanani Partnership.

Both students were delighted with the news that will now allow them to pursue courses to become teachers through the University of South Africa (UNISA). Thobile is studying IsiZulu (Home Language), Natural Sciences, Life Sciences (Biology) and Business Studies. Gcinile is studying Biology and English.

 

Gcinile said:

“I would like to first thank the Bambisanani Partnership for giving me the financial aid as I have struggled in the past to pay for my studies. The reason I want to become a teacher is that I have witnessed the joy that teaching someone brings. It is great to know that you have taught a new concept to a learner. I also want to offer learners a chance to study the science subjects so that they can be innovators in the future by creating prototypes to deal with problems in our society, such as energy supply and health issues. I also enjoy using information technology in my classes through the computer lab which was also provided by the Bambisanani Partnership and Rotary partners. My dream is to be one of the best Biology teachers.  Next year I will be completing my degree and I am grateful of the bursary as it has taken the burden of a debt from me and will allow me to complete the course. 

I know I will be a fully-fledged teacher one day and I hope to change lives in the area I live in by hopefully producing students who will become scientists that can develop cures for different diseases. 

Words cannot express how I feel right now. My thanks to the Bambisanani team; you are angels without wings who are helping me to realise my dreams. May God bless you.”

 

Thobile added:

“Education nurtures an individual and supplies them with the ability to think, act and grow in life. Education also empowers people and helps them become efficient in all aspects of living and experience in respective fields of work. As Mr Nelson Mandela said, "Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world." This indeed emphasises that education allows us to better understand the world in which we live. Through education, we have become thoughtful about what happens around us. We observe things from multiple perspectives and not only from the one they tell us. Education interconnects and equates us as a species. Different people have different ambitions in life such as doctors, engineers, pilots, soldiers, etc. But I always wanted to be a teacher because I feel really blissful when I teach people around me. From my childhood I taught others whatever I learnt in school. By educating people around us we can uplift society. I want to be a compassionate teacher who nurtures the students with knowledge. I was inspired by my English high school teacher, Mr Xulu, may his soul continue resting in peace. He was so passionate with his students; we all passed his subject very well. He was indeed called to this profession. After my Matric Exams in 2020, I applied for teaching at the University of South Africa (UNISA). I remember when I found out that I was accepted, I was so over the moon. Unfortunately, a family crisis and financial issues meant that this do not work out and regrettably I had to drop out of the course. The fact that I come from a disadvantaged background meant that I knew it was going to be very hard for me to continue to fund my studies. Things were very hard for me and I was slowly giving up on my dreams until I met my former teacher Mrs Pk Zondi last year (2021) who told me about the possibility of applying for Bambisanani Partnership bursary.

I would like to express my sincere gratitude to the team for making the Bambisanani Partnership bursary possible. I was thrilled to learn of my selection for this honour, and I am deeply appreciative of your support. I hope to become a high school teacher after graduating from UNISA. The financial assistant I received from the partnership programme will help me to complete my Bachelor of Education degree. Your generosity and support are greatly appreciated. This experience has taught me a great lesson in life that, "a candle loses nothing by lighting another candle." I take this as a challenge and a great lesson on the importance of giving back and helping others without expecting anything in return.” Thank you to so much to everyone involved with the Bambisanani Partnership.”

David Geldart from the partnership said, “The Bambisanani Partnership is honoured to be able to support two such remarkable young ladies in their ambition to become teachers. Both Thobile and Gcinile have faced enormous challenges in their lives to achieve what they have to date. Their determination, persistence and resilience are inspirational and certainly others could learn from their approach. They are committed to education, changing lives and making the world a better place; the world needs teachers with this motivation. Massive thanks must go to Mrs Pk Zondi at Mnyakanya who never ceases to go above and beyond for her students. Thanks also to Nick Phillips, from Eshowe Rotary Club for his valuable assistance in making all this happen. Good luck Thobile and Gcinile; you deserve every success!”  

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Universities push to restart International Volunteering Projects

The University of Leeds and Leeds Trinity University are key members of the Bambisanani Partnership. Recently, staff from both universities have visited South Africa to establish links with a range of different partners, and to restart their successful international sports development programme.

The University of Leeds and Leeds Trinity University are key members of the Bambisanani Partnership. Recently, staff from both universities have visited South Africa to establish links with a range of different partners, and to restart their successful international sports development programme.

The COVID period has meant that the two universities have been unable to conduct in-person development projects since 2019. However, during this time both universities have been working remotely with colleagues and organizations in South Africa to understand the landscape and form new exciting partnerships.

The team at Leeds Trinity University have been working with colleagues at the Imbali Education and Innovation Precinct and Durban University of Technology to explore potential areas for curriculum exchange and development in relation to their respective degree provision within sport and sports coaching. This includes a digital exchange project in 2021 where students from both the UK and South Africa collaborated to develop coaching resources and session plans to support delivery of multi-sports sessions across the KwaZulu-Natal region.

The University of Leeds has been looking to expand and develop its programme of cycling to more schools and young people across Kwazulu-Natal. To do this they have been working with a local NGO called KZN Cycling to look at the potential of developing a partnership to establish a cycling network that delivers programmes across the year, by local people, for local people.

Andy Lockwood (University of Leeds) and Chris Rowley (Leeds Trinity University) spent a week in South Africa to meet with various partners and stakeholders to formalise the progress that has been made and to explore emerging opportunities for the universities and the Bambisanani Partnership.

During the visit the team met with various government officials, Durban University of Technology (DUT) and KZN Cycling. The team also had the opportunity to visit our existing partners and friends to meet face to face for the first time in three years.

The team attended a specially arranged conference at DUT to focus on the development of sport across the region and role that the universities and the Bambisanani Partnership. This conference was attended by a range of government departments, National Governing Bodies and local coaches and players, with Andy and Chris also delivering a presentation around the Application of Sport Psychology within Training, Competition and Sports Coaching.

The visit to KZN Cycling saw the team meet with their staff teams, visit a local cycling hub and attend a community cycling clinic in a rural village. The Bambisanani Partnership is committed to developing our partnership to deliver a local hub to get cycling into communities that need it the most

The visit was an incredible success, with demand, need and impact at the heart of every discussion. The universities and the Bambisanani Partnership are now well set to develop their work and to restart their exciting visits in 2023.

David Geldart from the partnership said, “Massive thanks to Andy and Chris for this outstanding development work. We had worked hard during the COVID period to both maintain and develop new relationships virtually but there is nothing quite like being on the ground and meeting in person. We are now in a great position to expand the university strands of our work in South Africa in 2023.”

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Introducing our latest Bambisanani Partnership Volunteer: Poppy Bhengu

The UK based Bambisanani Partnership charity has gained international acclaim for its work using sport as a catalyst for promoting education, health, global citizenship and leadership in one of South Africa’s most challenging rural areas. What is lesser known is that the multi award-winning charity has no employees and is run entirely by volunteers in both countries.

The UK based Bambisanani Partnership charity has gained international acclaim for its work using sport as a catalyst for promoting education, health, global citizenship and leadership in one of South Africa’s most challenging rural areas. What is lesser known is that the multi award-winning charity has no employees and is run entirely by volunteers in both countries.

The latest addition to the Bambisanani team is Poppy Bhengu, a young sports professional from the City of Ekurhuleni in South Africa.

Poppy Bhengu

Poppy said: “My love of sport started in school and I went on to gain my first degree in Sports Management and then a Master’s degree in Marketing specialising in Sport. Alongside my work I am currently pursuing my doctoral studies in Sport and Exercise Science. Having gained some experience as a university lecturer, I am now employed as Senior Sports Organiser for the City of Ekurhuleni. Beyond this I am a published author and committed to number of sports and community programmes as a volunteer. My first exposure to the Bambisanani Partnership was through the Association of Commonwealth Universities (ACU) Summer School held at Leeds Trinity University, where Mr. David Geldart, Founder of the partnership, was a guest speaker. During his presentation, Mr. Geldart spoke of issues that I passionately believe in and that caught my attention. Among the many things that impressed me was the excellent work that Bambisanani is doing with communities in the Nkandla region of KwaZulu-Natal. Organizations come and go from this remote rural area and most make promises they fail to keep; few are sustained. The Bambisanani Partnership is so different; it works in genuine partnership with the local community and has made a remarkable impact over the past 16 years. It brings young people together from both countries and creates opportunities for them to work together and learn together. It is an honour for me to be joining the Bambisanani Partnership as a volunteer. Sport provides us with a platform to address a wide societal challenge; it can be a powerful force for good in the world, changing lives in the process. I believe strongly in the principle of ‘paying it forward’ – being helpful and kind to others because someone has been helpful and kind to you. Professionally, I owe a great deal to someone who didn't have any relation to me and who put their faith in me. I wish to plant that same seed in our communities. As I embark on my journey with Bambisanani Partnership, I am looking forward to becoming part of the success and change that Bambisanani Partnership represents. I am looking forward to 'paying it forward' through my experience in sports and leadership.”

David Geldart from the partnership said: “Poppy impressed me very much at The ACU Summer School and showed great interest in our philosophy, principles and practical work programmes. Poppy has been instrumental in organising and delivering a wide range of highly successful sports and community projects in South Africa. She is positive, proactive and is clearly driven to make a difference in the world. Poppy has a proven track record, both as a leader and as a team player; we are absolutely delighted to welcome her to the team. She will be a tremendous asset and has already started to work with members of the team. Every volunteer that commits to the partnership brings something new and takes us further.”

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Bambisanani Awards are a cause for great excitement at South African primary school

The annual presentation of the Bambisanani Partnership Awards sponsored by the John Paul II Foundation for Sport is always cause for real excitement at Ntolwane Primary School set high in the hills of rural KwaZulu-Natal in South Africa.

The annual presentation of the Bambisanani Partnership Awards sponsored by the John Paul II Foundation for Sport is always cause for real excitement at Ntolwane Primary School set high in the hills of rural KwaZulu-Natal in South Africa.

From left to right: Sabelo Nzama, Sfundo Myeza, Alwande Nala

This year was certainly no exception when the three winners were announced at a special ceremony:

  • Sportswoman of the Year: Alwande Nala

  • Sportsman of the Year: Sabelo Nzama

  • Sports Leader of the Year: Sfundo Myeza

Sportswoman of the Year: Alwande Nala

"I would like to thank teachers and learners who have nominated me as Sportswoman of the Year. I didn't believe it but I feel so happy. I love sports and this has motivated me even more."

Sports Leader of the Year: Sfundo Myeza

"I am very much excited to be chosen as Sport Leader of the Year. This makes me feel more love for sports and it also encourages me to be more involved in sports. I see it like climbing a ladder that takes me towards good things and away from wrong things."

Sportsman of the Year: Sabelo Nzama

"I feel much happiness and confidence to become Sportsman of the Year. At first I was not taking sports seriously but now I am much encouraged to be more involved in sports; I really enjoy biking."

Mr MM Xulu, Sports Coordinator and Bambisanani Coordinator at Ntolwane commented:

"As Ntolwane Primary we wish to thank the Bambisanani Partnership and the John Paul II Foundation for motivating and encouraging learners to be much more involved in sports. This is so important for their holistic development as young people and we really appreciate it.”

David Geldart, from the partnership first visited Ntolwane School 16 years ago and was full of praise for the school, its students and its teachers: “Ntolwane School really understands the power of sport and its positive educational impact on its young people. The teachers provide great opportunities and it is a real honour to be able to present these special awards each year. The annual Sports, Reading and Numeracy Festivals held at the school, organised jointly by students from St. Mary’s High School (Menston, UK) and Mnyakanya High School, Nkandla, are always a fantastic highlight in the Bambisanani calendar. Massive congratulations to Alwande, Sabelo and Sifundo on winning these prestigious awards in a school that has so much sporting talent. We wish them well for the future and will be watching their progress both on the sports field and in the classroom with great interest. Special thanks must also go to Father Vlad and the John Paul II Foundation for Sport for sponsoring these awards each year.”

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Bambisanani Partnership Awards inspire students in KwaZulu-Natal

Mnyakanya High School in rural KwaZulu-Natal was the co-founding school of the Bambisanani Partnership together with St. Mary’s, Menston, in the UK. Recently Mnyakanya held a special ceremony to present the annual Bambisanani awards to seven outstanding students.

Mnyakanya High School in rural KwaZulu-Natal was the co-founding school of the Bambisanani Partnership together with St. Mary’s, Menston, in the UK. Recently Mnyakanya held a special ceremony to present the annual Bambisanani awards to seven outstanding students.

From left to right: Lungelo Mkhize, Okuhle Dlezi, Norma Magwaza, Nqubeko Nene, Luthando Mnqayi, Mlamuli Ndlovu, Athandile Gumede

Mrs Pk Zondi, Bambisanani coordinator at Mnyakanya said “These prestigious awards continue to be a great inspiration to our young people with many of them working so hard to achieve them. It is difficult to explain just how much these awards change the mindset of the young people in our community. They develop higher self-esteem and are encouraged to do more good things for the school and for the community. The awards also prepare them to be more confident citizens for the future. The evidence shows that many of the award winners go on to be very successful in life. I do not really have the words to thank the Bambisanani Partnership enough for creating these ongoing opportunities for our young people to grow and succeed.”

The 2022 Bambisanani Partnership Award winners

  • Norma Magwaza: BambisananI Sportswoman of the Year

  • Luthando Mnqayi: Bambisanani Sportsman of the Year

  • Lungelo Mkhize: Laurie McCauley Legacy Award for the Most Improved Footballer.

  • Athandile Gumede: Laurie McCauley Legacy Award for Creative Writing

  • Mlamuli Ndlovu: Sibonelo Magwaza, Outstanding Leadership Award

  • Okuhle Dlezi: John Paul II Foundation for Sport, Helping Others Achieve their Potential Award.

  • Nqubeko Nene: John Paul II Foundation for Sport, True Spirit of Sport Award.

The recipients were clearly delighted and greatly honoured with the awards:

The Helping Others Achieve Their Potential Award winner, Okuhle Dlezi, was inspired by her sister who received the Laurie McCauley Legacy Award for Creative writing in 2020. Dlezi said:

“My home is about 244 km (150 miles) from Mnyakanya but I was so inspired to see my sister awarded for Creative Writing in 2020 in this school that it encouraged me to come to Mnyakanya. I can’t believe that in 2022 is my turn to be famous. Achieving this special award has truly been a very honourable moment for me. I always find it as a duty to help other students to recognise and master their potential to the best of their ability. My sole intention is to carry on reminding each and every student of what we are all capable of and that is nothing but greatness."

Sportswoman of the Year Award winner, Norma Magwaza commented:

"I felt very motivated and proud to be honoured as a Sportswoman of the Year in front of a big audience of students and parents. This means a lot to me as a young netball player who wishes to play for the big teams in future. These Awards have developed my self-esteem. I wish to thank all those who made this happen.”

Nqubeko Nene, John Paul II Foundation for Sport, True Spirit of Sport Award winner who is doing his first year at Mnyakanya said:

“I felt like a king of sport when I was awarded for John Paul II Foundation for Sport Award for the True Spirit of Sport. I felt like I could scream because of the excitement. I am very proud of myself.

I never thought that coming to Mnyakanya High School will make me a legend. I wish to thank the Bambisanani Partnership for opening these opportunities."

A very excited Sportsman of The Year, Luthando Mnqayi added:

"I feel privileged for being honoured as a Sportsman of the Year. I love soccer. It is the effort, hard work and determination that has put me in this position. I am really grateful to all the Mnyakanya learners that gave me support to push through in all my soccer games. I would also like to encourage other young people to believe in themselves and work hard so that they achieve more in life. I do not have enough words to express my excitement; the joy inside me is overwhelming. I wish to thank all those who made this happen."

Lungelo Mkhize who was recognised as the Most Improved Footballer said:

"It is a great honour to receive this award in memory of Laurie McCauley. I can’t believe that this award comes to me this year. I feel very famous in my school and in my community. This is motivating me more in the love of sport. It gives me hope that in future."

Mlamuli Ndlovu who received the Sibonelo Magwaza Award for Outstanding Leadership said:

"Receiving this award in memory of Sibonelo is a great honour to me. It made me feel special and important at school. I did not believe that I would be the one who receive this award. It has helped my self-image and developed my confidence. I hope this will help other learners to learn something from me."

Athandile Gumede who was awarded for Creative Writing remarked:

“The Laurie McCauley Award brings me joy and excitement that is difficult to explain. I started creative writing with my friend as a hobby. However, the recognition I got from school through this award has made me feel great and I now see this as an opportunity for my future. I am indeed excited, for all this is yet to come."

Mnyakanya Principal, Mr S.V Ngubane, who joined the school in 2020, commented:

Mnyakanya Principal, Mr S.V Ngubane

"The impact that these awards have on creating a positive learning environment is amazing. They make each learner feel special at school. These awards encourage us to recognise and appreciate each and every skill that the learners have. They encourage active participation of learners in all school activities which leads to higher pass rates of students at the end of the year. I would like to pass my humble appreciation to everyone who contributed to make this idea come true. Thanks again to the Bambisanani Partnership.”

 

Speaking on behalf of the Bambisanani Partnership, David Geldart added:

“Congratulations to all seven very worthy recipients of these much sort after awards. The fantastic efforts of the young people at Mnyakanya never cease to amaze me. Great credit must also go to the teachers at Mnyakanya who, despite some very challenging circumstances, nurture this amazing talent that is just waiting to be unlocked. We especially remember Laurie and Sibonelo at this time. The McCauley and Magwaza families are always keen to hear about the recipients of the awards. Special thanks, as ever, to Father Vlad and the John Paul II Foundation for Sport for their continued support and sponsorship. Throughout my time in education, I have always believed very strongly in recognising and rewarding achievement in all its facets. It is quite remarkable just how much these awards motivate and inspire; long may it continue! Well done and thank you again to everyone involved.”

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Bambisanani Partnership Founder attends Sport for All Summit at the Vatican

David Geldart, Founder and Chair of the internationally acclaimed, multi-award-winning charity, The Bambisanani Partnership, was invited to attend the Vatican’s recent Sport for All Summit.

David Geldart, Founder and Chair of the internationally acclaimed, multi-award-winning charity, The Bambisanani Partnership, was invited to attend the Vatican’s recent Sport for All Summit.

The summit was organised by the Dicastery for Laity, Family and Life in collaboration with the Dicastery for Culture and Education at the Vatican under the title Sport for All; cohesive, accessible and tailored to each person. The aim was to promote the social and inclusive dimension of sport in society. It is a response to Pope Francis’ encouragement of sport that is socially responsible and his appeals to foster sport as a means of human, educational and spiritual growth. On the final day of the summit delegates signed a Sport for All Declaration in the presence of Pope Francis.

More than 250 people from 40 countries were invited to participate in the landmark event, which brought together leading figures from international federations, professional sports leagues, government officials, faith-based organisations, non-profit organisations, media companies and educational institutions. This included, amongst others, Thomas Bach, President of the International Olympic Committee, Andrew Parsons, President of the International Paralympics Committee, Filippo Grandi, United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees, Angelo Melo, Director of Policy and Programmes UNESCO, Stanley Mutoyo, CEO African Union Sports Council, Tim Shriver, Chairman of the Special Olympics, Stefanie Reid, World Champion Paralympic Athlete, Tegla Loroupe, United Nations, UNICEF and IAAF Sports Ambassador.

David with Thomas Bach, President of the International Olympic Committee

The main purpose of the summit is to urge sports and politics, international regional and local, to embrace the Declaration by committing to work for the integration of people in society through sports, especially those with physical, intellectual and relational disabilities, migrants and refugees, prisoners, young people, girls and women and all those who find themselves marginalised or disadvantaged.

With over 40 years’ experience in Catholic Education and an international reputation for his work in Physical Education and Sport, David Geldart was in no doubt about the importance of the event; “I have spoken at Conferences throughout the world and been involved with a variety of national and international projects but the opportunity to contribute to this Summit at the Vatican has been the greatest honour of my career. On behalf of the entire Bambisanani Partnership team I was delighted to be able to speak about our work in South Africa using the power of sport to promote education, health, global citizenship and leadership. Throughout the summit’s varied activities, I worked with some of the most remarkable people that I have ever met – people that clearly got great things done – all had tremendous vision, positivity, faith and determination – people using the power of value driven sport in every corner of the earth to make a difference for both individuals and communities. The consensus gained during summit enabled us to unveil the most significant of Declarations on Sport for All.”

The first day ended with a private visit to the Sistine Chapel and a time for quiet reflection. The final day began with Mass at the Vatican and concluded with an Audience with Pope Francis.

Cardinal Kevin Farrell gave a final speech on behalf of the Dicastery for the Laity, Family and Life and Dicastery for Culture and Education to deeply and warmly thank Pope Francis for his presence and support for this initiative. The Cardinal also summed up the progress of the last days: “Over these two days we engaged in joint reflection on sport and the role that sport can play in fostering social cohesion and acceptance, especially at this time following a long and distressful pandemic. We must ask ourselves how we can change our society for the better. It was also proposed that we sign a Declaration indicating the common goals we wish to achieve, and the tasks and responsibilities we all want to assume”.

Pope Francis entered the Aula Paulo VI welcomed by the 250 participants representing all continents of the world. In his speech, he addressed the participants, saying: “I encourage you to strive to make sport a home for everyone, something open and welcoming. In this home, never lose the family spirit, for in this way, we may find brothers, sisters and friends in the world of sport. I am close to you in this mission; the Church supports you in this educational and social commitment.”

At the end of his address, each signatory then took turns greeting the Holy Father before signing the Declaration on Sport, pledging to take-on the work, outlined over these past two days. As such, signatories committed to bringing the Declaration to life. Fundamental to this task is the understanding that this Declaration is not just a statement of principles, but a ‘Declar-Action’, an invitation to concrete actions for the future of society.

David concluded, “The work begins now. That is, realising that the vision of Sport for All, requires a commitment to cohesive sport, accessible sport, and tailored sport. In doing so, sport transforms our society and our world - recognizing that our true team is the human family. Each of these categories - cohesive, accessible, and tailored - highlights a different component of the work ahead. A cohesive sport, implies one that brings people in, rather than just an elite few. An accessible sport, implies one that is open to all, especially the most marginalized groups. A tailored sport, implies one that provides the resources necessary to accompany each individual person, just as they are.  With the momentum and guidance of the experts convened at the summit, participants pledged to walk together because nobody can accomplish this task alone. Our challenge is to work with all stakeholders to build on this Declaration and move from words to action.  With Pope Francis’ focus on the educational value of sport I would call all schools, colleges and universities to play their part and to take up the challenge. The potential of high-quality, inclusive Physical Education and Sports programmes to make a unique contribution in this area is enormous both in terms of the individuals and society. Let’s get going!”

Those who wish to support the Declaration can sign it on the website www.sportforall.va

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