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Sports Development

Sun Interational endeavours to provide children from all sectors of the community with programmes that allow them to develop and participate in sports at the highest level. Sport offers children a healthy alternative to the conditions many live in, helps with their development, social integration, cultural understanding and improved life skills.

Sun City: PGM Golf Academy

Sun International hosts the iconic Nedbank Golf Challenge (NGC) each year, which impacts the local community beyond the event week. Sun City’s caddie, Peter Mazibuko, has always had a passion for golf and helping local children in the North West. Peter arranges for the aspiring golfers to attend the Nedbank Golf Challenge and his dream is to get some of the children competing in the under-12 and under-15 age group amateur tournaments at Sun City.

The South African Hall of Fame

Sun City partnered with The South African Hall of Fame, which affords many South Africans the opportunity to learn about various South Africa who have excelled in the area of sport; arts and culture; and science and technology. The entrance fee of R100 for Sun City hotel guests is discounted to zero by Sun City, as a direct service offering to the community. This allows The South African Hall of Fame to host numerous groups and schools from rural and informal areas, and more than 20 000 learners have been hosted to date.

South African Disabled Golf Association (SADGA)

SADGA encourages and promotes every South African with a disability to play and enjoy golf. "The gift of hope is the most precious gift adults can give children. If you combine exposure to activities they thought would never be possible, it really makes for something special," says Eugene Vorster, CEO of SADGA. "The Sports Trust has given hope and invaluable exposure to so many disabled children, to various life orientation activities through golf. Teaching them to count and at the same time being accountable is a life skill that will stand them in good stead."

Twenty-two years ago Sun International co-founded and remains a Founding Trustee to the Arts & Culture Trust (ACT) which forms an integral part of our ongoing Socio-Economic Development Programme. Sun International has an enthusiasm and passion for the local performing arts, and is proud to support ACT that provides a platform for South African artists. Some of the local artists supported and nurtured by ACT now perform to sold out audiences at Sun International venues like Sun City and GrandWest.

Four of SAGDB's development graduates also competed and were placed in 2nd Place overall with 77 points. One of these golfers is Zethu Myeki, a 21 year old female golfer from Mdantsane in the Eastern Cape. "As a young golfer, I watch the NGC every year to learn from professional golfers so that I can enhance my game," says Zethu who won several tournaments in 2013 and 2014. "Playing on the same course as professional golfers is certainly a fulfilment of a lifelong dream."

Mike Brown, CEO, of Nedbank presenting Max Jordaan (Acting Chairman) of The Sports Trust with the R 1 million cheque for sport development from monies raised at the 2014 Sports Trust Golf Challenge.