Sport is not just a game: it’s a set of life lessons and any child growing up without it is seen as disadvantaged.
Alcohol and drugs are the root of South Africa’s ills like gangsterism, crime, HIV/AIDS, domestic violence and unemployment.
The JAG Foundation’s aim is to offer positive alternatives, by using sport as a catalyst, in order to ‘create the change’.
The JAG Foundation believes in creating change and that sport is a powerful tool for personal & social upliftment, health and wellbeing, and when utilized correctly, an influential force in combating societal issues such as drug and alcohol abuse, teen pregnancy, crime, underage drinking, racism, sexism, social discrimination, poverty, and unemployment.
Mighty Meters Running Programme
Inspired by an International initiative by the New York Road Runners Foundation, Mighty Meters is a physical education programme for primary school children. Launched in May 2007 in the Western Cape, the programme is designed to challenge children of all fitness levels to run and walk one kilometer three to five times a week.
ProNutro Runners
Providing skilled coaches and basic infrastructure for young runners, the JAG Foundation launched the ProNutro JAG-Runners programme in June 2008. The programme aims to motivate and train children ranging from primary through to high school to participate in running events such as cross country running, fun runs and track events. Initially spearheaded by acclaimed coach, the late Dave Spence, the programme has been activated in 33 different communities across the Western Cape, Free State, Kwa Zulu Natal and Gauteng.
JAG Rugby
Leading rugby development in the Western Cape, JAG Rugby is a rugby development programme committed to providing disadvantaged youth with the opportunity and resources to utilize the sport of rugby to excel both on and off the field. Instilling a culture of dignity, the programme goes far beyond sports development, assisting the children to live healthy, balanced lifestyles and encouraging them to excel in their school careers as well as developing strong interpersonal life skills. This programme as also seen numerous players awarded coveted scholarships from top schools in the Western Cape.
JAG Riders
The JAG Riders initiative is the latest addition to the programmes of JAG and will focus on cycling starting off with providing young riders the opportunity to cycle at a BMX track in Bonteheuwel. The programme will be spearheaded by former professional South African Cyclist, Graham Hector. Under the trained coaches’ supervision, older children also develop their skills on the MTB bikes and participate in a number of cycling events on a regular basis.
http://jagfoundation.org.za/