Wentworth was abuzz with joyous laughter and jumping jacks over the past week as fitness trainer, Taariq Stokes, channelled his love for exercise into a force for good, engaging with youngsters through a planned wellness week that got them on their feet and having safe fun outdoors.
Wentworth, South Africa (13 October 2025) – Kids just want to have fun and play to their hearts’ content. But in a community grappling with crime and various social ills, going outside to kick a ball with friends can be met with unsettling challenges.
Taariq Stokes knows this reality all too well. Thanks to his dedication and efforts, school holidays in Wentworth have taken on a whole new meaning!
Driven by the struggles facing his community and a heartfelt desire to see children active and enjoying the outdoors, Taariq decided to give back in a big way during the recent school holidays. He spent the week engaging local kids in energetic, fun-filled activities and play, making sure they had every opportunity to move, laugh, connect and enjoy a good meal too.
His mission was to bring the community together through health and fitness by uplifting and empowering the young people of Wentworth. He visited Hime Street, Tuin Road, Reiger Road Park, Alabama Road Park and The Barracks over five days, bringing his infectious enthusiasm to each corner of the neighbourhood.
Good Things Guy caught up with this inspiring fitness trainer and local hero right after recovering his voice after what proved to be a jam-packed week.
“Growing up in Wentworth, when it was school holidays, we were always outside because there was never anything to do inside. We were always playing in the streets, but the streets have become so unsafe. As a personal trainer, I decided to pla and host a wellness week, teaching the kids about health and fitness and keeping them off the streets while having fun,” Taariq shares.
The children came in their numbers as Taariq got them into various cardio exercises, including jumping jacks, squats, running, and relay races – easily winning over the support of parents and the greater community.
Many people have praised him as an inspiration and a positive force, demonstrating that Wentworth has much more to offer than the brokenness it has long been known for.
Asked how the whole experience was, Taariq describes it as: “Wholesome!”.
“The areas I went to were very poverty-stricken areas with high crime and drug abuse. I think it was positively overwhelming to see so many kids and their parents come together and have a great time. I felt like I poured into them and they poured into me.
“I didn’t expect the turnout and support to be so big. Over the five days, we trained 670 children, and that was just so amazing, motivating me to consider more areas. Overall, it was a very beautiful experience. It just shows that there is a beautiful side to our community that people don’t often see. To see the kids smile the way they did shows that there is hope for them and that our community can get better.”
Sources: Nothando Mthembu | Taariq Stokes
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