Spirit Foundation, Lord’s Taverners South Africa and Sporting Chance

When the history of inclusive children’s sport in South Africa is written, one name will stand out among all others, Brad Bing. The founder and visionary of Sporting Chance, Brad was a unique force of nature. Driven, committed, passionate and totally focused on providing children with the opportunity to participate and enjoy sport, arguably Brad did more than any other to introduce kids to sport and inculcate in them a love of playing, participating, teamwork and yes, respect.

As Sport Chance Operations Manager, Bradlyn Stuurman, reflects,

“Brad Bing has put us in a good position so that Sporting Chance will continue forever. Our purpose is to make a positive difference in kids’ lives.”

It’s vital that Brad’s legacy continues and that his vision and passion are carried forward for generations to come. This is where the Spirit Foundation and Lord’s Taverners South Africa (LTSA) have a unique role to play.

Brad loved his cricket and took enormous pleasure from seeing kids enjoying the game. This passion is shared by former Proteas cricketer, Steve Palframan, who is the General Manager of the Spirit Foundation Community Programmes and heads up LTSA. Some years ago, Spirit Foundation, LTSA and Sporting Chance joined hands to promote and run the unique LTSA table cricket tournament designed to introduce youngsters with disabilities to the wonderful game of cricket.

Played on a table tennis type table, with bowlers, fielders, fours and sixes marked across the pitch and played in accordance with a set of rules, the game generates enormous excitement and competitiveness among the teams. There is now a league of schools and teams competing against each other and an annual tournament held at the iconic Newlands cricket ground.

Steve Palframan captures the essence of the LTSA table cricket programme,

“Every kid deserves the chance to shine. To learn the highs and lows and to have fun no matter what they’re going through. Disabled and disadvantaged kids are very close to the heart of the Spirit Foundation and Lord’s Taverners South Africa.”

Sporting Chance livewire General Manager, Natalie Pollock comments,

“Sporting Chance partners with the Spirit Foundation and LTSA and we operate the table cricket tournament. We see it as a new space in disability sports and an opportunity to express themselves on a new platform, to play in a team and to develop those life skills that go with it.”

This fabulous game was recently featured on the television Expresso Show. Click here to learn more and see the game live in action.