On Wednesday 18 September, a gala dinner will be held in the Kelvin Grove Ballroom, raising money to support the CoolPlay. This will be the third event of its kind, with target of one million rand for CoolPlay firmly on the agenda. This event is sponsored by gold sponsors Oak and Canaccord, with Overseas Trust and Pension as silver and Private Wealth Management and Creation wines as bronze sponsors with Guernsey Finance long standing partners. Not only will members of the financial services sector and CoolPlay supporters enjoy an evening of relaxed networking and stand-up comedy from local comedian Allan Committie, but they’re sharing the mission of uplifting South African youth through sport.

By using sport and life skills coaching, CoolPlay creates meaningful change in under-resourced communities of the Western Cape. The specialised sport for development curriculum was developed by a child psychologist and aims to develop resilience & the mental fitness needed to cope with life’s challenges.

Every week of the school term there are over 250 CoolPlay sessions taking place across the six designated areas around Cape Town. These areas include the suburbs of District 6, Masiphumelele, Ocean View, Khayelitsha, Stellenbosch, Kuilsriver, Kraaifontein and Heathfield. CoolPlay sessions take place afterschool with a focus on rugby/netball and soccer, or in-school where the Mini-Sport programme promotes social and emotional learning through movement and play during life orientation classes.

CoolPlay children are reported as more engaged in their academics, more aware of their emotions and how to manage them, and are more likely to contribute positively to their communities. CoolPlay was nominated as one of the best after-school sports programmes in the Western Cape in 2023.

There are still a few tables available at a cost of R10 000 for 10 guests. Contact tori@coolplay.co.za to make a booking.