Thomson Sport gives back to South Africa
With the FIFA World Cup now in full swing, Thomson Sport is busy giving something back to the local community in South Africa. As one of the official agents for the FIFA World Cup, Thomson Sport is committed to aiding sustainable development and always tries to minimise its environmental impact, respect the culture and people of destinations they visit and offer.
Thomson Sport has chosen to support the local Masiphumelele (which translates as ‘success’) settlement near Cape Town. Masiphumelele has a population of 30,000 of which approximately 40% are estimated to be HIV positive.
On 18th June, 200 England fans travelled with Thomson Sport from Cape Town to Masiphumelele to experience the other side of South Africa. Working with sister company i-to-i – which specialises in volunteer travel – Thomson Sport clients witnessed the challenges that face the population of the settlement during the morning’s guided tour of the area.
Afterwards, they visited local Fish Hoek Association Football Club where some fans took part in a match alongside football legends Chris Kamara as well as comedian David Baddiel. It was an enjoyable affair, with the local South African team finishing 1-0 winners. With the game at an end, Thomson Sport representatives presented two new football kits to the local team and those that took part in the match.
Fans and players then enjoyed a traditional Braai (BBQ) while being serenaded by English soul singer Jake Hall and several South African musicians. Meanwhile, 15 other fans took part in the renovation of a local kindergarten, leaving a legacy in Masiphumelele.
Dave Marsh, a Thomson Sport client from Exeter, said: "It was really good to give something back, and the match was great fun!"
i-to-i is a volunteer travel organisation working on meaningful travel projects across the globe. Over the past five years i-to-i has funded and re-conditioned a number of kindergartens and continued to support an array of community initiatives. Thomson Sport will continue assisting i-to-i’s project in Masiphumelele to provide support for local mothers who want to work and need help with childcare.
Another Thomson Sport traveller – Christine Jessop from South Yorkshire – said of the day’s experience: "It was eye opening to see a different side of South Africa away from the main cities. You just don't realise the poverty until you see it for yourself, and the people of Masiphumelele were so welcoming."
In addition to donating two new sets of football kit, Thomson Sport also presented the local school with whiteboards for classrooms and chose to cover the costs of the whole project – including the travel of the visiting England fans – as part of an on-going commitment to sustainable development. The cause was further helped by News of the World donating £3000 for a new classroom (a converted shipping container) and a generous donation by David Baddiel.
Fish Hoek Association Football Club was established 80 years ago. It caters for hundreds of disadvantaged children from Ocean View and Masiphumelele. These young footballers train twice a week and play matches on Saturdays in a safe, clean and well-structured environment. Many of them continue to play informally for the club long after they have moved on to different teams. Mathew Booth, a current player in the Bafana Bafana – South Africa’s national team – is a well-known supporter.
i-to-i offers a number of community-based projects in and around Cape Town including ‘Work with children in a township’, in the Masiphumelele township. On this project, volunteers work with young children in a crèche, entertaining them, improving their English skills, helping with preparing meals and assisting the teachers in singing, reading stories and supervising on the miniature playground. The cost of this trip starts at £899 per person for two weeks (possible to extend to 6 weeks) including shared dormitory room accommodation in the volunteer house, airport arrival pickup and an in-country orientation and 24hr emergency cover support. For each booking made i-to-i buy 3 mattresses for the crèche. Flights and meals are not included. For more information or to book, visit: i-to-i.com
Be at the World Cup Final in Johannesburg on Sunday 11th July 2010 with Thomson Sport. Packages start from £5995 per person (8th – 13th July 2010) including three nights accommodation at the 3* Peermont Metcourt, international return flights from London Heathrow, Category 3 match ticket, Thomson Sport merchandise and representation. The whole package is ATOL protected with the World’s largest tour operator.
If rugby is your sport of choice, cruise through the latter stages of the Rugby World Cup 2011 onboard luxury cruise liner Pacific Dawn, hosted by ex-players JPR Williams and David Duckham. The ship will dock at the relevant venues for two quarter-finals, the semi-finals and the all important Rugby World Cup Final 2011. Prices start from £5591 per person including 17 nights full board accommodation aboard Pacific Dawn, return international flights, domestic flights (where applicable), on board entertainment hosted by various rugby celebrities, welcome drinks, airport and match transfers, UK departure tax and official souvenir merchandise. Although guaranteed, match tickets are not included in the package price and start from £1775 per person for the two quarter-finals, the semi-finals, Bronze Final and Final (Official Category B match tickets).
For further information and bookings, visit: thomsonsport.com
