The Dam-se-Bos sports ground was officially reopened on Saturday, 13 May. Knysna executive mayor, Eleanore Bouw-Spies in her her key note address expressed her joy that the project had created jobs for local residents. “I am delighted to report that through these upgrades, short-term local jobs were created. What is even more exiting, is the fact that the subcontractors were women. I am always happy when women are given equal opportunities, especially in a male dominated industry.
“The money has not merely been spent on the sport field, but helped uplift women within our community as well. We all acknowledge that women are nurturers by nature, so if we uplift women we uplift families. Bouw-Spies explained that the Dam-se-Bos Sport Ground is more than just a venue for sport.
“This Sport Ground gives our youth a healthy alternative for their entertainment. It is an alternative against all the elements that lead to crime and drug abuse. Sport also creates unity in our communities. It is where you come together to practice and play matches. “This facility will become a place where you come together; exercise together, laugh together and where you build a better community together”, Bouw-Spies concluded.
Bouw-Spies, Weidman and Skosana cut a ceremonial ribbon officially opening the sport ground to the community. The Dam-se-Bos sport ground was an old dumping site and as the years went by it deteriorated and the dumping material started to becoming exposed. The Knysna municipality had to close the site and it was decided to upgrade it into a sport ground.