“There is no word in the dictionary that will adequately describe the AWESOME Caledon Casino coaching clinic that took place on April 20, 2011, in this Overberg town.” This is the opinion of Brad Habana, commenting on a two hour rugby clinic coached by the DHL Stormers for 100 children from ten schools in the Overberg area. Habana was speaking in his capacity as Head of Marketing and Sales at Club Newlands.

The clinic, which was held at the Overberg Primary Junior School, was part of a partnership agreement recently signed by The Caledon Casino, Hotel and Spa and Club Newlands. The first to take place in the Overberg region, it was the start of a number of different initiatives to make rugby more accessible to young fans of the game in the area, and took place after a morning training session for the DHL Stormers’ forwards hosted by The Caledon Casino, Hotel and Spa.

Memories of World Cup fervour

The rainy weather did nothing to dampen the experience for the children of the school, who streamed out of their classes in an electric atmosphere to welcome the DHL Stormers, evoking memories of World Cup fervour last year giving their heroes a resounding welcome at the start of the clinic.

Says Habana, “The kids were in awe of the experience, and undoubtedly received the best coaching clinic from their idols that they have ever had from anyone in their lives.”

After playing for an hour, the children had the opportunity of getting autographs from their idols in the school hall.

Schools invited to participate were Overberg Primary School (Caledon), Swartberg Primary School (Caledon), Bredasdorp Primary School (Bredasdorp), Grabouw Primary School (Grabouw), De Villiers Graaff Primary School (Villiersdorp), Kosie De Wet Primary School (Villiersdorp), Riviersonderend Primary School (Riviersonderend), Swellendam Primary School (Swellendam), Hawston Primary School (Hawston) and Kleinmond Primary School (Kleinmond). Kit and balls, as well as food and refreshments will all be provided by The Caledon Casino, Hotel and Spa. The event was attended by the deputy mayor.

Further opportunities
The Caledon Casino Hotel and Spa and Club Newlands are also sponsoring 20 under-privileged children from the community to participate in two three day rugby coaching clinics during the year in the greater Cape Town area, as part of the same partnership agreement. The clinics will be open to boys and girls under the age of 12, and packs and t-shirts for the event will be provided by Club Newlands for each child.

“The Caledon Casino, Hotel and Spa has a very active Corporate Social Responsibility programme rooted in our fundamental commitment to both physical and mental wellbeing, of which sport is naturally a key element. We are delighted to be part of making a difference to the lives of these children and to be working with a much loved local team“  says Paul Campbell, General  Manager for The Caledon Casino, Hotel and Spa, “The Overberg has been home to many famous rugby players and we are very happy to help continue this tradition.” 

The Caledon Casino Hotel and Spa is a destination resort situated in Caledon, in the heart of the Overberg region. It is well-known for its spectacular views of the Klein Swartberg Mountains, world class casino and rejuvenating spa, with its mineral rich Khoisan pools and indulgent treatments.  The resort comprises of a hotel with 95 rooms, three conference venues and three restaurants namely - da Vinci, Black Sheep Diner and the Blue Crane. For the more adventurous there is horse riding and quad biking riding. The Caledon Casino has over 300 slot machines and 7 tables to choose from. Telephone: 028 214 5100 or visit the website on www.thecaledon.co.za