GEORGE NEWS – After ten years of fundraising and effort from parents, learners and staff, Outeniqua High School last week broke ground on their much anticipated internationally-sized Astro turf hockey field. This pitch should host its first game in February 2012.
It will replace one of the school’s three grass hockey fields, which received a fond farewell from the school. Principal C Vorster and School Governing Body chair, Mr J Venter, initiated the field’s metamorphosis with diggers.
The new surface will primarily serve the needs of the school’s 22 hockey teams.
It will also be available for national and international tournaments, which Mr Vorster believes will benefit the whole Southern Cape where these surfaces are rare. Soccer games can also be played on the pitch.
To pay for this new addition, the learners had to collect a certain amount of money before the project went ahead. This they achieved through various fundraising efforts, including events organised by parents, lucky draws and financial donations.
When this amount was raised, it was combined with funds the school had been setting aside. Fundraising events, such as the Kwagga 4X4 family fun day at Vleesbaai on 3 September and the advertising space on boards surrounding the new pitch, will add to funds raised.
Currently four Outeniqua High School learners play for the SWD men’s team. Two of its female learners and the school’s first team coach play for the SWD womens side. The girls’ first team are also top of their league.
ARTICLE: LEEANNE PRATT, GEORGE HERALD REPORTER.