SANParks.org Forums

As part of SANParks extensive community involvement, and in the spirit of the 2010 World cup, SANParks has become involved with "Dreamfields".

The Dreamfields Project, in partnership with SANParks and supporting corporations and smaller businesses, last year staged five soccer tournaments. Four of them took place in communities close to the Kruger Park gates. And for the fifth tournament, all the winning schools spent a weekend inside the National Park learning about conservation – and then played a tournament in the Kruger Park camp, Skukuza.

Each tournament involved eight schools – four boys’ teams and four girls – each of which received a DreamBag. A DreamBag contains full sets of kit for 15 players – shirts, shorts and socks; boots, balls and shin pads. The long-term aim is to get these schools playing regular matches against each other in well-organised leagues.

To learn more about this follow this link to "Wild about Soccer."

Community involvement is an important part of nature conservation. Nature conservation cannot be practiced while turning a blind eye to the needs of especially the surrounding communities. Exposure of communities which would not have had the privilege to experience the wonder of our national parks, is an important way of creating a sense of appreciation for the parks. In this way we help to ensure the long term survival of the parks.

WOW, this is a wonderful thing. Because i am also a player of this most important game



So i decided to donate R 250.00

The more projects, the more possibility that a certain success (read change) will be achieved.

It is sad to know that the vast majority of people living next to KNP have never been inside. And if they have never even visited KNP, it is not strange that they often have no appreciation for the value of the park.

It is also not strange if activities such as poaching is practiced, since no value is seen in the animals.

I really hope that through initiatives such as these, more and more people will get to see the beauty, experience the inherent value, and learn to love and respect this invaluable piece of heritage.

TL, thank you for your generosity

I could not agree more with Imberbe about community involvement. People living in the are need to see themselves as stakeholders. That is the best way to protect the future of the Park.

Here are the dates for WAS 2009:

28 September 2009 - Punda Maria Gate (TOTAL)
29 September 2009 - Phabeni Gate - still need to confirm the contributor 30 September 2009 - Numbi Gate (Multiple Contributors)
1 October 2009 - Paul Kruger Gate (Edcon)
2 October 2009 - Environment Education
3 October 2009 - Finals at Skukuza

Imberbe,

Do they have enough money to cover the costs of all these tournaments
or do they still need donations??

It seems as if there are sponsors for some of the events. But there are an opportunity for private donors to get involved in Wild soccer too! Indeed this is an excellent opportunity to get involved in a less privileged community and at the same time promote nature conservation!

If someone would like to support this initiative, they can follow the link on the website to donate.

Just a thought: Would it not be great if a forumite could attend the finals in Skukuza, or one of the other events, and send us a report!

I can think of a couple of peeps, hot into nature conservation, that would do a very good job supporting these kids, encouraging them..and even doing a trip report with pics....

Other things to consider...

Should Wacktazz come over with pies on the big day?

Should Guepard be French translator..and Su Mari the chief cheer leader (pom poms optional!!)?

Should Raymond be the chief photographer?

Should the Mods dress up as the team mascots?

Should Martie blog it

Hmmmm..the possibilities to have a good time are endless...and its all for an excellent cause!

Don't pick on the poor Moddies!

Have a look at some previous events in the SANParks Gallery.

Would you care to join the pom pom brigade instead?