Mass Participation Programme

The Mass Participation Programme (MPP) is aimed at developing life skills through an introduction to sport to a large number of children from the previously disadvantaged communities. The programme uses structured coaching as the foundation to provide a holistic education that is otherwise not provided by the schools. The programme is currently operating in 25 different primary schools in the townships and northern areas of the Nelson Mandela Bay, positively reaching out to some 20’000 children annually.

The MPP uses the main stream sports of Football, Rugby, Cricket, Netball, Hockey and Swimming as a way of accessing disadvantaged and vulnerable youth. Although the program uses sport as a tool, it’s main focus is on the development of the children within, by focusing on improving self image and self esteem and using the positive effects of sport to teach essential life skills such as leadership, team work, fair-play conflict resolution, self respect, self evaluation and decision making.

We try to use sport to make a difference to a young person by focusing their goals, dreams and outlook on life it can be used to develop individual skills such as building leadership coping with pressure, making decisions, dealing with feedback, self-criticism, responsibility, conformity, persistence, risk taking, courage, self motivation and self-control. We can empower young people through the benefits of sport to choose their own destiny and become better members of society and we can teach young people not to worry about material wealth but to use their greatest strength – their own mind.

"On the sports field everyone is equal and through successful teamplay and partnership anyone can make a difference"
Qondakele Sompondo, Chairman – Umzingisi Foundation