Cape Town’s intellectually disabled residents were invited to the annual One to One party at the stadium for a day filled with games, friends and fun.
Cape Town, South Africa – The One to One concept originated in the 1970s in the UK when caregivers grew concerned that there was a lack of motivation and spark amongst their intellectually challenged residents. They realised these residents had no interaction with society and were feeling despondent.
They came up with throwing a party for the residents as a way to cheer them up and boost engagement with the outside world. It worked and quickly the annual One to One party was started.
Now years later, the party was recently held at the Cape Town Stadium in Green Point.
Rotarians from clubs across Cape Town spent Sunday, 18 August 2019, bringing joy and laughter to Cape Town’s intellectually disabled community at the annual One to One event held at Cape Town Stadium.
The Rotary clubs were joined by local schools, Lions Clubs and other civic organisations and the day’s entertainment included drum majorette displays, bands, food stalls and of course, lots and lots of games!
Newlands Rotary members took photos of attendees and printed them as a memento of their day out, while the Rotary Club of Tygerberg ensured everyone enjoyed a lovely ice cream while they were browsing the games stalls.
Other Rotary clubs who managed stalls on the day included: Rotary Clubs of Constantia, Blouberg, Table Bay, Sea Point, Groote Schuur, Bellville, Century City, Strand, Melkbos, Durbanville, Cape of Good Hope (Fish Hoek) and Cape Town.
Many of the clubs invited their local school Interact clubs and Rotaract Clubs (Rotary members 18 – 30 years) to assist on the day.
“One to One is one of our favourite days of the year,” says Rotary District 9350 PI Chair Shelley Finch.
“It is wonderful to spend a few hours playing games and entertaining this beautiful community of people every year and there are often quite a few moist eyes around the venue thanks to the whoops of laughter and smiles that we are rewarded with.”
Everyone that attended the fun day out, enjoyed themselves. It was once again, a great success and everyone is excited for it to happen again next year. You can find out more about how to donate to the big day, volunteer and so much more here.