While millions of viewers tuned in to watch the prestigious Wimbledon 2024 Championship in England, more than 100 locals gathered yesterday for the Mitchells Plain annual street tennis tournament.
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The event, now in its third year as the Bordeaux Street Tennis Championship, was organised by Mitchells Plain resident Rodney ‘Scarra’ Brown in collaboration with Unchain the Plain in Westridge.
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Brown emphasised that the tournament aimed to revive community interest in sports, particularly among children who he believes are not as involved in sports as they used to be. He stressed the importance of adults taking the lead in showing children how to engage in sports and serving as role models for the younger generation.
Reflecting on past years, Brown recalled how children in the area used to imagine themselves as Wimbledon stars, creating makeshift tennis courts using sand or chalk and fashioning nets out of potato or onion bags.
‘During Wimbledon season, we would challenge neighbouring streets, nurturing dreams of discovering the next champion who could compete in future Wimbledon championships,’ he said.
Beyond its sporting aspect, the tournament also served as a platform for community unity and an opportunity for residents to engage with local officials and address community concerns.
Local officials and public figures, including Mayor Geordin Hill-Lewis, newly appointed MEC for Cultural Affairs and Sport Ricardo Mackenzie, previous tournament winner and former Community Safety MEC Reagen Allen, South African tennis star Leo Matthysen, singer Salome, radio host Aden Thomas, influencer and journalist Venecia Valentine from Independent Media, and chef Keanon Michaels, all participated in the matches.
Mayor Hill-Lewis expressed his enthusiasm for the event, highlighting its positive impact on youth and community cohesion in Cape Town.
‘Seeing how many children are involved and the benefits it brings to the community, I knew I had to participate and enjoy this event,’ he said.
‘Events like these are exactly what we need in Cape Town—events that bring people together.’
Salome, who participated in the matches but lost to DJ Portia, praised Rodney’s initiative, although she expressed disappointment in the low turnout of community members and young people she had expected to see at the event.
However, the event was not solely focused on competition; children also enjoyed activities such as a jumping castle, soccer games, and tug-of-war competitions.
‘We decided to share the trophy, emphasising that everyone is a winner at the end of the day,’ Brown concluded, highlighting the inclusive and community-focused spirit of the tournament.
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Picture: Geordin Hill-Lewis / Facebook