The Johan Cruijff Foundation Sports Project (JCF Sports)

A healthy body creates a healthy mind. In November 2004 the Elandsdoorn Sports Grounds and Fitness Centre were opened.

In cooperation with the Johan Cruijff Foundation we were given the opportunity to built a Cruijff court with a sportspark and fitnesscentre. All facilities are free to use but people have to pay a small contribution to become members of the fitnesscentre.

In the Fitness Centre members can work out in the fitness room. Smaller rooms are available for clubs or groups who want to practice indoor sports such as karate, aerobics, boxing, or even traditional and modern dancing, drama, etcetera.

Everyday there are appoxmatelly 200-300 children/young adolescents at the sportscomplex who we entertain with our HIV/AIDS Awarenness Program. In this way the sports facilities are also used as a tool for educative purposes and it makes the kids aware of the risks of engaging themselves in sex at an early age or as a form of entertainment.

The outdoor facilities consist of a tennis court, a soccer field, two volleyball courts, a netball court and a basketball court, which may be used by clubs, groups, or individuals.

A team, consisting of five well-trained sport facilitators, also organizes events for special target groups, such as disabled persons, school children, teachers, etcetera.

Every Wednesday afternoon the Cruijff-bakkie collect 10-15 disabled people from their houses and they are given the opportunity to participate in sports. Their enthusiasm is amazing but even more important is that we start seeing improvement in their disabilities, lesser backaches and a better posture. Sports rehabilitates!!

Through sports people can spend their idle time in a purposeful way and boost their self-esteem. It might even prevent crime in an environment with about 70% unemployment.