RIBEIRO TREATMENT CENTRE HOSTS BENEFICIARIES’ FUN DAY IN CITY OF TSHWANE

By Madali Chibambu.

• The Dr Fabian and Florence Ribeiro Treatment Centre recently hosted an action-packed fund day in Elandia Park near Cullinan.
• Such events help strengthen trust, encourage youth involvement, and promote social development for all at the centre.
• The benefits of games and sports extend beyond enjoyment to enhancing physical health, boosting mental health, and supporting self-confidence.

The Dr Fabian and Florence Ribeiro Treatment Centre played host to a vibrant fun day at Elandia Park in Cullinan, in the north-eastern region of the City of Tshwane.

The event, in partnership with the Department of Sport, Arts, and Culture, brought together over 100 beneficiaries in a day filled with games, teamwork, and laughter.

The aim of the event was to promote teamwork, discipline, and positive behaviour through active participation.

Acting head of the centre, Sarah Nkutshweu, emphasised how the fun day not only fosters team spirit but also strengthens trust, encourages youth involvement, and promotes social development.

“Today, we are glad to be out of our offices together with our cleaners and gardeners who came to support the participants.

“They took part in activities such as the blindfold game, tug of war, dance, morabaraba, tower building, incuva, tennis ball balancing, board games, and many more,” said Nkutshweu.

The benefits of games and sports extend beyond enjoyment, she added. They enhance physical health by improving fitness and strength, while also boosting mental health through stress reduction, improved mood, and increased self-confidence.

One recovering substance user, who preferred to remain anonymous, shared the positive impact of the event.

“After playing tennis ball balancing, which I had never tried before, my body feels so relaxed. I even forgot that I am one of the beneficiaries

“Meeting people from outside made me realise that life can be seen differently,” the beneficiary said.

“Sometimes an ordinary person can offer you therapy without charging you anything. The environment I come from was toxic, with nothing else to do but take drugs and alcohol.

“Today I learned many things, and I would like to thank the institution for hosting this event.”

The fun day not only provided moments of joy and recreation but also reminded participants that healing and recovery can be supported through simple, meaningful activities and community connection.