Rainbow of Hope, a charity set up by Rubi Nates, 10, handed out boots and shoes for mothers and grandmothers of township children who are part of a cricket training academy.
The 35 youngsters from Khayelitsha are part of the Cricket School of Excellence (CSE) at UCT.
The cricket school has been helping to develop township talent and has worked with young cricketers from Khayeltisha, Delft and Samora Machel, helping them improve their skills with professional coaching at schools and at the UCT Cricket Club.
Their participation was funded by the Australian High Commission as part of a year-long partnership with CSE. “Hosting development cricketers at our private clinics in collaboration with government partners is something we are committed to. Seeing boys and girls improve their cricket skills while meeting new friends is hugely rewarding and offers a glimpse of a promising future for our country and its sportsmen and women,” said CSE founder Ryan Maron.
Rubi handed the boots over to the boys who were thrilled to get the gift for their mothers.
Rubi established Rainbow of Hope two months ago and has already collected more 1500 pairs of shoes and socks.
Her target is to reach 3000 shoes and socks which will be given to local NGOs, schools, shelters and sports clubs in need of footwear and socks.
The CSE clinic will be hosting 2000 boys and girls throughout the year from the local cricket clubs and surrounding schools in Khayelitsha that have shown interest and a natural ability for the game.
