The Local Surf Lounge Academy, a mentorship programme teaching Vrygrond youth life skills and development through surfing, won the Recreation Body of the Year award at the SA Sports awards.
The annual event was held in Durban on Saturday 12 March and recognises sporting talent in the country.
Shuan Solomons, founder of the academy, said he felt overwhelmed with the win.
“I found out from a friend, who sent me a voice note, that she saw on TV we were nominated.
We were never contacted and were not aware of any invitation.”
The academy was nominated by Robin De Kock from Surfing South Africa. It was short listed together with Skateistan from Gauteng and Fight with Insight.
“This is the first time that our academy was nominated,” says Solomons.
“I am overwhelmed with the win and this for me means that I am being recognized by the federation and by the sports council. This is a great achievement for the academy as we push our mission and vision.”
He added that this award gives hope that there is more to someone than their circumstances.
“Coming from the townships of Vrygrond and winning this award with my strong team means that there is hope for each of us no matter our circumstances.”
Solomons adds that the academy would like to give the youth the best the sport can offer, however, financial constraints are a challenge.
“The youth are full of joy and hope to see some more support from the federation and the government. I would like to plea to the public to support our programme as it is very important for our youth, there is not always good things in our communities and this is a way they can overcome the difficulties they face in their communities.
“We are faced with high rent and have to basically beg every month from friends and family for support.
We would like to give the best the sport can offer to the youth but are currently not in the financial state to do so, most of the money raised goes towards rent.”
The academy was established in July 2020, after Solomons was retrenched due to Covid-19.
“We plea that our mayor would also assist in this regard so we can give access to the less privilege youth. If we could get a city owned property that would really help us and we can spend most of the funds we raise on the youth.”
