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Sports legends tour South
Africa's Alex township
Tue Nov 7, 2:32 PM
JOHANNESBURG (AFP) - A group of international sporting legends paid a visit to
one of South Africa's most famous townships where they urged youngsters to dodge
a life of poverty by chasing their sporting dreams.
Tennis greats Martina Navratilova and Monica Seles as well as former Manchester
United captain Bobby Charlton were among the stars who joined in a series of
impromptu games, including an egg and spoon race, at the Alexandra township
where levels of crime and poverty are some the highest in the country.
"Most of these kids are not as fortunate as we were, and are exposed to lots of
mischieves including crime," said legendary Indian cricketing allrounder Kapil
Dev.
"Being around them and making them happy reminds them that they are the
important part of the future, and it keeps them away from many bad things. It is
also fullfilling for us to see them smiling. If they are happy, we are happy."
Navratilova said that sport was a great way to break down walls in a country
still trying to cope with the legacy of the apartheid era.
"Sport is a great medium for breaching all kinds of differences, cultural and in
colour," said the former US and Wimbledon champion.
"This is a great opportunity for kids to get together in a positive environment.
Develop qualities that will help them later in life."
Twelve-year-old Paul Mabaso said that it was a dream come true for him to meet
so many sporting heroes in one go.
"Being around these people is good and it helps me to stay out of crime, not
steal," the youngster told AFP.
Visit the Monica Seles page
here
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