24 November 2008

United brings joy to Peter Pan

Uniteds Development Wing held a “football fun” session at Peter Pan School for the Mentally Handicapped on Friday. Amongst the players present were Uniteds striker, Brice Aka, Gray Goldstone, John Arwuah, Sylla Mbemba and American goal keeper Hunter Gilstrap.

This was the most exciting day for our learners, said Mrs. June Hansen the school’s Principal. The learners thoroughly enjoyed themselves and the presence of United stars added huge smiles to their faces. I was pleasantly surprised when some of them knew the names of the players, added Mrs. Hansen. It shows the power of the game of football and its popularity for children from all walks of life.

A special thank you to Maritzburg United for this visit because most organizations focus the attention on main stream schools. This was a special occasion for our learners and will be remembered for forever by our learners. You have brought tremendous joy to them to-day.

Gary Goldstone although with a strapped ankle made his presence felt by chatting to the learners who milled around him and signed autographs. Gary felt it is this type of activity that gives a lot of satisfaction and contentment.

Hunter Gilstrap said he had great fun and it was a pleasure to be part of such an exercise. The learners are special and although handicapped made a great effort to play the “beautiful game”. I would like to come back and have more fun.

Peter Pan’s first team players pose with United’s first team players that were actively involved at the School. United stars (top row, from left) Hunter Gilstrap, John Arwuah, Brice Aka, Sylla Mbemba and Million Makhubela. Learners in the centre row (from left), Robert Brown, Ross Deas, Themba Mbatha, Sphelele Ngcobo, Phumlani Mtshali and Mthokozisi Khumalo. In front (from left) Jeffery Gordon, Sifiso Ntombela Wandile Mbatha and Zama Dlamini.

All the learners of Peter Pan and Uniteds personnel share in this happy picture.

All the little learners focused on the ball.

United's development player, Nhlanhla Sithole (in blue) joins Peter Pan learners in some football action.