A group of young South Africans are optimistic about future opportunities after attending Festival 24 and the grand opening of the Paris 2024 Olympic Games in Lyon and Paris, France.
The young talents from Afrika Tikkun, a non-profit organisation that provides education, health, and social services to disadvantaged communities in SA, took part in vibrant cultural performances, showcasing the country’s rich and diverse heritage, to foster understanding and unity among people from different cultures and continents.
Among the highlights was their participation in workshops promoting respect, friendship, and equality; and participants engaging in an educational and cultural exchange programme.
Masego Madiga,16, an athlete from Johannesburg, expressed her excitement about the experience and the opportunities it would provide.
Madiga, who joined Afrika Tikkun in 2010, said: “I joined Afrika Tikkun as part of their Bambanani Early Childhood Development (ECD) programme and am now in Grade 11. During my 14 years with Afrika Tikkun, I have earned two awards: the legitimate leadership award and the Duke of Edinburgh’s international award. I am highly motivated, hard-working, and passionate, and I know how to get things done.
“Being a part of the Duke of Edinburgh programme has taught me valuable life skills, and I will always be grateful for the experience. Afrika Tikkun has helped me develop a strong foundation.”
This group of talented young individuals was chosen from Afrika Tikkun’s 360° Wellness & Fitness programme after a rigorous selection procedure.
This once in a lifetime opportunity to be a part of a global celebration that transcends borders through the power of sport, was sponsored by Festival 24 organiser, Sport dans la Ville.
The delegates also took part in friendly competitions where they demonstrated their skills on an international stage in a range of Olympic and Paralympic sports.
Afrika Tikkun’s Group CEO, Dr Onyi Nwaneri, said that the eight young ambassadors had demonstrated exceptional talent, dedication, and commitment to excellence in their respective fields.
“Our delegation joined others from around the world, including notable attendees such as French Ministry of Sports members. Exposure to this high-profile event and delegate representation underscores the importance of our mission and is a true reflection of the remarkable outcomes of our Afrika Tikkun Cradle-to-Career methodology,” Dr Nwaneri said.
Marc Lubner, executive deputy director, Afrika Tikkun, added: “It is immensely gratifying to witness young boys and girls from SA’s most impoverished townships taking their rightful place alongside talented youth from first-world countries across the globe. We are incredibly proud of the excellence these individuals have achieved and demonstrated.”
The Star
anita.nkonki@inl.co.za