It’s less than 50 days to go until the Netball World Cup! Planted in paint, another bout of pride has come to life in Cape Town in mural form, bringing with it a new court and netball surprises for budding players in the area.
Cape Town, South Africa (12 June, 2023) — The countdown is winding down for the Netball World Cup in Cape Town! Celebrating the 50-days-to-go mark, the City of Cape Town planted another piece of joy in paint, installing the latest netball mural honouring the proud era for both City and country.
Lotus River is the most recent Cape Town space to get a celebratory splash, marking the 10th mural scattered across Cape Town joining Mitchell’s Plain, Langa, Khayelitsha, Strand, Bellville South and the Protea-proud street art.
Painted by Garth Wareley (AwehMigo) a Cape Town artist known and celebrated for his vibrant intersection of nature and street art, a sunset-backed mural now breathes joy into the Lotus River Recreation Centre.
The latest instalment nods toward the most important themes of this World Cup: Cape Town’s culture, Africa, women empowerment, hope and of course, netball. It also came alongside other surprises for the netball-passionate community, including a brand new netball court and LED lighting for more activities after-hours.
The centre also received netball equipment; bibs balls pumps and cones so that budding netball players in Lotus River have access to the sport.
Why the Mural Movement Matters
Beyond honouring Cape Town and South Africa for playing host to the first Netball World Cup in Africa, the murals are also inspired to drive awareness of the opportunities and sense of community sports, such as netball inspires in young women, especially in disadvantaged areas.
“The City is proud to continue its efforts in driving awareness for the tournament and growing the status of Netball by reviving community facilities and programmes so that communities get involved in being part of this historic tournament. We believe that hosting the Netball World Cup in Cape Town plays a fundamental role in developing the sport and uplifting local communities,” shared Mayco Member for Community Services and Health, Councillor Patricia Van der Ross.