Get sharp and ready with pre season training at our cricket and soccer clinics, and enjoy refining those skills you have mastered this past season with our hockey and special edition World Cup rugby clinics.

As Sporting Chance celebrates 21 years and we start a new coaching season we are proud to welcome new apparel sponsor Hi-Tec and associate sponsor Kauai. We also are delighted to continue our relationship with title sponsor Flip File, and associate sponsors Sportsmans Warehouse, BIC, GM and media partners SuperSport Let’s Play.

Thank you to our sponsors for their continued support and we look forward to having the Sporting Chancers join us on the fields at Constantia, Kelvin Grove, WPCC and Kenridge PS next week!

Learners from schools throughout the Cape Peninsula, West Coast, Northern Suburbs and Helderberg regions of the Western Cape gathered to participate in the sixth annual Wynberg Cricket Super Skills competition on Friday 25 February.

The event, which took place at the Jacques Kallis cricket oval at Wynberg Boys High School in association with Sporting Chance and SuperSport Let’s Play, was born from the inspiration of cricket mastermind, the late Bob Woolmer. Woolmer developed the Super Skills concept internationally in order to spread interest in the game.

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According to Wynberg Boys High School Principal Keith Richardson, teams made up of 4 players each played in a round robin tournament. They went head-to-head in a number of challenges to see who can hit the ball the furthest, who is quickest between the wickets and who has the most accurate throw in the game.

“We launched the competition in 2005 to provide a platform for all learners to master the basics of cricket,” says Richardson.  “The competition is a fun exercise that emphasizes the essential aspects of the game of cricket. It’s format entices competition, teamwork and enthusiasm while focusing on the necessity of mastering the key fundamentals of bowling, batting, fielding, catching and throwing. It is a unique and fun adaptation of the conventional game and the testing stations include the Power Drive, Stroke Master, Fine Line and Deadeye.”

Wynberg Boys High School has always been at the forefront of schoolboy cricket and boasts an incredible cricket pedigree. It has been a nurturing ground and launch pad for many cricket careers including one of the world’s greatest cricketers and best all-rounder Jacques Kallis, who proactively supports this initiative. “With fond memories I welcome all the players to my former senior school for the Super Skills competition.  It is a wonderful opportunity to test their skills and it’s about being outdoors and enjoying yourself,” says Kallis.

One of the protégés from the Super Skills competition is current Cape Cobra, Richard Levi. “I honed all the skills and techniques that I use today through the drills and games these boys will be using as they run around the Jacques Kallis Oval.  Enjoy and learn,” advises Levi.

The competition was fierce as the 160 participants were able to express their natural talent and flair in this inter school format. Scores were high and after tightly contested semi-finals and finals the respective age group winners were as follows:

U11: Kirstenhof Primary School

U12: Edgemead Cricket Club A

U13: Wynberg Boys’ Junior School

U14: Wynberg Boys’ High School A

Individual winners (most points over all four (4) disciplines) were:

U11: Matthew De Villiers – Kirstenhof Primary School

U12: Eathan Hendricks – Edgemead Cricket Club A

U13: Donovan Opie – Wynberg Boys’ Junior School

U14: Kyle Verryne – Wynberg Boys’ High School

Thanks to prize donations from Gunn & Moore and goodie bag contributions from SA Cricket magazine, Peninsula Beverages and Sporting Chance none of the participants left empty handed and the day was thoroughly enjoyed by all involved.

“We are very proud to be involved with the Wynberg Super Skills competition,” says Brad Bing, MD of Sporting Chance. “It is an innovative approach to cricket and one that has proven to be an exciting way of introducing competitiveness into the finite details of the game. We look forward to continuing to build on this partnership with the WBHS and the Super Skills competition going forward in the future!

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The aim of the event, which took place at the Western Province Cricket Club Sports Centre from 2pm Friday 17 until 4pm Sunday 19 September, was to highlight the importance of physical activity in children’s lives. The participants, who hailed from 32 schools throughout the Peninsula, played 15 different indoor and outdoor sports over the course of the weekend including soccer, cricket, hockey, table tennis, badminton, netball, basketball, squash and touch rugby.

The Kellogg’s® Health of the Nation 50-Hour Sports Challenge, in association with Sporting Chance, Virgin Active and Kia Charity and Care plus media partners Good Hope FM and Let’s Play, is the largest sporting event of its kind in the country.
According to Brad Bing of Sporting Chance, the youth sports development agency that conceived and co-ordinated the event, for many of the participants it was a first time experience.

“Most of the learners have not had the opportunity to play sports such as badminton or squash before and the Kellogg’s® Health of the Nation 50-Hour Sports Challenge gives us the chance to introduce as many kids as possible to as many different sporting codes as possible,” said Bing. “The idea that kids play one sport limits opportunities for children who might not be good at football or cricket, but have talent to play tennis or badminton. The WP Badminton Association for instance, is in partnership with Sporting Chance and if they see a talented youngster they’ll help him or her to have more access to the sport.”

“The prime objective of Sporting Chance is to make sport available to as many children as possible irrespective of race, gender or social class,” said Bing. “Team sports are a great way of teaching children essential skills that can be applied throughout their lives. Sport shows us the beauty of friendship, camaraderie and team spirit and it helps us to deal with the hardships of failure, frustration and disappointment.”

Bing said the Challenge was originally born as a direct response to the results of the Health of the Nation research findings1, which were released in 2008. The study to investigate the physical fitness levels and lifestyles of South African children revealed that schoolchildren, from all backgrounds across the country showed a tendency towards the onset of obesity, similar to that seen in developed countries more than a decade ago.  “It was obvious that South Africa faced a serious task in getting the nation to keep active and participate in physical activity to create a healthy lifestyle,” said Bing.

Western Cape MEC for Education Donald Grant who officially kicked off the event on Friday is also an advocate for encouraging physical activity amongst South African youth. “Research has shown that healthy, physically active children learn more effectively and achieve more academically,” said Grant. “I wholeheartedly support the Health of the Nation initiative as it encourages children to be physically active and educates them in the importance of health through balanced diet and exercise.”

“Up to a certain age, all boys and girls should ideally be exposed to sport,” continued Bing. “Research has shown you develop your habits by the age of 12. If you’re not playing sport or leading an active and healthy lifestyle by then, the chances are that sport and physical activity will not feature in your adult lifestyle. The Health of the Nation research that we pioneered with Tim Noakes proved that.”

“Health of the Nation is a groundbreaking project that focuses on the importance of physical activity and the positive role it plays in a child’s life,” said Sarah Mansfield, corporate spokesperson for the Kellogg Company of South Africa.   “Whether at a social or competitive level, it is fundamental in the development of their personality, co-ordination and social development.

As a brand, Kellogg understands the importance of creating awareness and supports the work being done by Sporting Chance in encouraging self improvement.”

Kim Webster, CSR Manager for co-sponsor Virgin Active added, “Virgin Active believes that life’s more fun when you move. And with partnerships like this one with Sporting Chance and our Club V product we can introduce children to movement at a young age and encourage them towards adopting active and healthy lifestyles when they grow older.”

The Kellogg’s® Health of the Nation 50-Hour Sports Challenge is supported by the national Department of Health, the Department of Sport and Recreation, Education and Social Development and the Heart and Stroke Foundation of South Africa.

The Johannesburg leg of the Kellogg’s® Health of the Nation 50-Hour Sports Challenge runs from Friday 15 to Sunday 17 October at the Southern Suburbs Recreation Centre in Rosettenville to coincide with National Nutrition Week during October.
Schools or individuals wishing to participate in the Kellogg’s® Health of the Nation 50-hour Sports Challenge can contact Natalie at Sporting Chance on 021 683 7299 or log onto www.sportingchance.co.za

The weather and venue again provided the perfect platform for a day of fun and camaraderie. Courtesy of Sporting Chance and MTN, the Mangwanani Spa ladies were on hand to give both players and spectators a welcome back, neck or feet massage while they sipped on their Red Bull from the Red Bull sampling girls. Radio Helderberg went all out to make it a family affair and provided a jumping castle to keep all the children entertained. The Bellville Cricket Club held their potjie competition in conjunction with the challenge, so it really was a wonderful outing for everyone.

The match format was a ‘Pro 4 over’ with two pools of 5 teams. There was little room for error in this quick format of the game, so teams had to find the middle of the bat right from the start. Teams were drawn randomly and the rule of rotating the batting order ensured all team members contributed to their team’s performance throughout the day.

The fierce competitiveness and critical tactical decision-making began at each toss, with crowd support, extremely hot conditions, rotating the batting line up and the ability to read the pitch all being carefully considered by the captains of the respective teams. No one was left in any doubt that each team was there for one thing… to win!

The teams from CCfm and Radio Helderberg arrived early morning to make use of the practise nets to get their eye in and show what the smaller radio stations could do. This obviously paid off later in the day as the ‘Helderberg Heroes’ were beaten only once to finish second in their pool, while the ‘CCfm Life Changers’ went on to make the finals.

‘The Sport 24 Fine legs’ proved there extra pre tournament practice was worth the effort as they quadrupled their first match score from their debut last year. They showed great character even though they unfortunately couldn’t record a win in their pool.

Debutants ‘The Cape Argus Deadly Deadlines’ were a welcome addition to the playing line up and they showed promise in their first appearance at the challenge claiming third place in their pool.

The ‘Media Men’ and ‘The Rebels’, two outsider teams showed that miss-fit combinations can come good as they both put up strong challenges to finish third and fourth respectively in their different pools.

Clearly the Primedia teams of ‘Cape Talk Crusaders’ and ‘Kfm Kobras’ are taking the cricket more seriously these days as they almost lived up to their big name with ‘The Cape Talk Crusaders’ producing some improved results and the ‘Kfm Kobras’ becoming near finalists.

Despite living it up under their Bedouin tent and eating their speciality braai the ‘Good Hope fm All Stars’ unfortunately failed to take that style onto the field and walked away with the wooden spoon in their pool despite the assistance of newly contracted former Protea spin wizard Paul ‘Gogga’ Adams.

The ‘eTV Eternals’ were determined to regain their form of past ‘glory years’ and to show off their skills in front of their cameras.

The format played out wonderfully as the last match in each of the respective pools proved to be unofficial semi finals with the unbeaten teams vying to finish top of their pool and progress to the final.

The top of Pool A clash was between the ‘CCfm Life Changers’ and the ‘Kfm Kobras’, while Pool B was between the ‘eTV Eternals’ and the ‘Helderberg Hereos’. Both matches came down to the last ball as the ‘CCfm Life Changers’ and the ‘eTV Eternals’ claimed victories and progressed to the final.

In the closest ever final in the history of the challenge, there was a tie after both teams had batted their allotted overs. So the rule book was pulled out and a ‘super over’ was introduced… The ‘CCfm Life Changers’ had to bat first and posted a formidable 15 runs from their six balls. Step up the ‘eTV Eternals’ and ‘player of the day’ Gershawn Coetzee… requiring 2 runs to win from the last ball the eTV sports anchor smashed a cracking cover drive to the boundary to give his team the victory and the 2010 MTN Inter Media Cricket Challenge title!

The day concluded with a fantastic prize giving where the top performers and a few memorable moments were honoured with Blackberry’s, cell phones and other goodies kindly supplied by new sponsors, MTN. No team walked away empty handed thanks to the following prize sponsors: Distell, Klein Constantia, Monkey Valley Resort and in particular the efforts of Radio Helderberg!

The day was a great success and we look forward to next year’s challenge with great anticipation. Sincere thanks to all the teams who took part and for their ongoing support of Sporting Chance’s projects throughout the year.

2010 participating teams: ‘eTV Eternals’, ‘CCfm Life Changers’ ‘Cape Argus Deadly Deadlines’, ‘Kfm Kobras’, ‘GoodHope fm All Stars’, ‘Cape Talk Crusaders’, ‘Radio Helderberg Heroes’, ‘Sport 24 Fine Legs’, ‘The Media Men’ and ‘Radio Rebels’.

In fine form and on the back of his 102 not out against the Dolphins, Gibbs will be advising, coaching and mentoring keen cricketers from selected impoverished communities in the build up to the regional finals on 20^th November 2009.

The sixth annual Sporting Chance Street Cricket League, in association with Disney Enterprises, the City of Cape Town, various private donors and with media partners, Good Hope fm and Lets Play commenced on Friday 16th October 2009 and has so far seen over 3 000 participants competing in the 12 regional championship areas after four weeks of competitive street cricket.

What makes the Sporting Chance Street Cricket League so exciting is that despite the obstacles of houses, washing lines and vehicles, the game still goes on. “It’s amazing to see how unique and different all the regions are for instance in Manenberg and Elsies River matches are played in the flat courtyards and balls rebound against the high walls while in Khayelitsha shacks and corrugated iron line the sides of the playing area creating interesting fielders” said Natalie Pollock, Project manager for the Sporting Chance Street Cricket League.

Whilst every participant is rewarded with a certificate of participation, the regional winners will receive a trophy with winner’s medals, and the Western Cape Street Cricket champions will receive the converted trophy, winner’s medals and a brand new pair of trainers.

Managing Director of Sporting Chance, Brad Bing who started the first Street Cricket League in 2003, says the initiative has enjoyed unprecedented success since its humble beginnings as a pilot project in Langa. “We have had a huge response from our communities who have made the Sporting Chance Street Cricket League part of their weekly diaries and with high profiled players like Herschelle Gibbs attending, this will only add flair to both players and spectators alike” said Bing.

After Elsies I headed to the township of Nyanga where the talent was in abundance as their coaches have insisted on extra training for their teams once a week. Nyanga Street Cricket is coordinated by the passionate Mxo Tywaku who has organized a fantastic league with they help from his dedicated coaches. Nyanga are playing hard to keep the Street Cricket Trophy which they won convincingly last year. With new young talent that is coming through I reckon they will field a great team in the finals in Langa.

I have received great feedback from all coordinators in each region. Cyril Pelston the coordinator in Manenberg informed me” After three weeks of street cricket matches, there is so much excitement in the Manenberg community. Street cricket has become part of the culture of our community and helps to add value and growth in communities”.

I wish all the teams luck for the upcoming week and look forward to some more Street Cricket this Friday.

 This is the second year Masiphumelele has been involved in the Annual Street Cricket league and the atmosphere was something not to be missed. Those not participating were lining the streets cheering the teams on, the coaches were filled with enthusiasm and support for the children and the cricket talent was in abundance.

After Masiphumelele I headed out to Ocean View were the Streets were covered with children in yellow t-shirts all excited at the prospects that their team could join the other regions at the Street Cricket Final in Langa. It was great to see the support from the community and the resident DJ playing some great tunes to keep the spirits high.

The co-ordinators in the other regions assured me that week 2 went well and that the competition is hotting up. I look forward to week 3 in the various regions and wish all the teams luck in the upcoming week.

For more detailed information on each regions league please don’t hesitate to contact Sporting Chance. 021 683 7299

Each league has 250 participants and coaches and will involve boys and girls under the age of 11. It runs for 7 weeks and encourages kids to get involved in sport as an alternative to getting involved with gangs and drugs which plague many of these communities especially between the dangerous hours of 14h00 till 18h00. 

A big thank you must go to our loyal sponsors Disney Enterprises, City of Cape Town, our numerous private donors with media partners Good Hope FM and Super Sport Lets Play also getting involved in the action. The support from the sponsors allows the league to happen each year and for Sporting Chance to employ a league co-ordinator and 20 coaches in each region.

The Street Cricket league regional finals will take place on Friday 20^th November in the various regions to find the regional finalist who will join the other regional finalists at the annual Street Cricket final in Langa on Thursday 26^th November – the home of Street Cricket.

For more information about the league details, please contact Sporting Chance on 021 683 7299

“This is a massive opportunity for our young players to meet and be inspired by world renowned cricketers. Through the Sporting Chance development foundation sports programme and events like this we hope to encourage young players from the local community to actively participate in the sport.” says Brad Bing, managing director of Sporting Chance.

To end off the day one of the young boys in the program got chosen to attend KXIP’s inaugural match against the Delhi Daredevils in Cape Town on 19 April.

Any Kings XI Punjab fans can sign up to the Cricket FanZone by sending “KXIP” to 31273 or by downloading mig33 directly from their phone’s browser (m.mig33.com/kxip). mig33 works on over 2,000 different mobile phone models.

To see more articles please follow this links:

• http://kfmsport.blogspot.com/
• http://www.businessofcinema.com/news.php?newsid=12788
• http://indiatoday.intoday.in/content_mail.php?option=com_content&name=print&id=37191

from left to right: Brett Lee, Kumar Sangakkara, Priety Zinta,Sreesanth and Ranadeb Bose

Brett Lee offering some bowling tips to young player from Liwa Primary

Dear Sporting Chancer’s

EASTER HOLIDAY CLINICS:

Improve your cricket, rugby, soccer or hockey skills

Can you believe the first school term is nearly at an end and the holiday break is upon us? The Easter holiday is short, but Sporting Chance will ensure it is sporty. Our action packed Easter holiday programme includes all your favourite sports with cricket, rugby, soccer and hockey clinics to choose from.

Tiny Tots (4 & 5 years): The focus for this age group is to encourage participation with loads of fun and enjoyment while learning the very basics of the game.

Juniors (6 -8 years): The focus for this age group is to advance the development of fine motor skills, as well as sport etiquette.

Seniors (9 – 13 years): Here we focus on improving technique, fitness and discipline, as well as developing a full understanding of the game.

So, grab your siblings and friends and join the holiday clinics.

Please see attached the clinic schedule, cost structure and clinic entry form.

All the best and we’ll see you at the clinics!

Brad Bing & the Sporting Chance team