ABOUT THE DARLING HEALTH & sport centre

The Darling Health & Sport Centre
is a multi-purpose Centre which will be available for all members of the community.

The Centre will consist of a swimming pool (and related facilities: ablution facilities, pump house, etc.), a multi-purpose activities centre and an early-childhood development centre. Phase 1A of the Centre is the swimming pool and it is with this phase that construction has commenced in July 2009. The construction of Phase 1B (early childhood development centre and the multi-purpose activities centre) will begin later this year, depending on the availability of funding.

On 30 May 2009, the sod-turning ceremony for the Darling Health and Sport Centre took place.

After many years of planning, research and fundraising,
we have launched this very special project.
We will start clearing the site mid-April and construction commenced during July 2009. Check back soon for more information... and a great new website for the Darling Health and Sport Centre!

Why does Darling need this centre?

Darling is a village consisting of 10,000 people, 4,000 of whom are under the age of 18. A majority of the population live in RDP houses. As with many housing projects of this kind there are very few communal facilities available. Unemployment and the prevalence of drugs, violence, crime, alcohol abuse and HIV/AIDS pose major challenges to the community at large, in particular to the youth. The lack of any leisure infrastructure and facilities to support an active and healthy lifestyle is contributing significantly to their vulnerability and prevents them from reaching their full potential. It is not only the youth, however that stand to benefit from a healthy lifestyle. Rates of diabetes and heart disease are high in Darling's adult population. Archbishop Emeritus Desmond Tutu said the following about this remarkable project

How can I get involved?

Thus far we have raised R1 530 000. As of 21 July, we still need R370 000 to complete the first phase of the Darling Health and Sport Centre. A further R650 000 is required to complete the Learning Centre (ECD) and the activities room.
We have in this process partnered with amazing individuals, organisations and donors in order to complete this Centre. We continue to look for partners and donors both nationally and internationally. Everyone, from book shops, schools, wine estates, corporates, foundations, individuals to families have become involved in this campaign. We invite you to join us too! Click here to donate now

CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD THE SITE PLAN FOR THE CENTRE IN PDF FILE FORMAT