Meet the Finalists Using Sport to Change Lives

Voting Opens for “The Power of Sport” Finalists at Promenade

Liberty Promenade’s inspiring “Power of Sport” campaign has entered its most exciting phase, with the unveiling of the Top 13 community sporting organisations that are changing lives through their dedication, passion and commitment to uplifting local communities.

Launched in the lead-up to Mandela Day 2026, the campaign set out to celebrate the unsung heroes of community sport, the clubs, organisations, coaches and volunteers who go beyond the game to create opportunities, build confidence, inspire hope and provide safe spaces for young people to thrive.

The response from the public was overwhelming, with nominations pouring in from the community, highlighting organisations that are making a meaningful difference through soccer, rugby, netball, athletics, dance, tennis, karate, fitness programmes and other sporting initiatives. Each nominee represents the transformative power of sport and its ability to unite communities, develop future leaders and create lasting social impact.

Finalists announced

The Top 13 finalists have now been selected and are being showcased in a special in-mall photographic exhibition located in the Food District. The exhibition brings each organisation’s story to life through powerful imagery and inspiring narratives, giving shoppers a glimpse into the lives being transformed through their projects and programmes.

The thirteen finalists are:

  1. 9Miles Project
    Using the power of surfing to build confidence, resilience, life skills, and brighter futures for youth in coastal communities.

 

  1. House of Power Karate Academy
    Empowering young people through karate by developing discipline, confidence, self-defence skills, and strong character.

 

  1. Westridge Yankees
    Keeping young athletes active year-round through grassroots baseball and softball development in the community.

 

  1. Play Sport4Life
    Creating opportunities for children and youth through sport, leadership development, and life-changing mentorship programmes.

 

  1. Lentegeur Volleyball Club
    Nurturing leadership, creating a sense of belonging, and motivating young people to realise their full potential through volleyball.

 

  1. Just Planting Seeds
    Transforming lives through rugby by creating safe spaces, building leaders, and empowering youth to overcome challenges.

 

  1. Westridge Football Club
    Developing football talent while promoting teamwork, discipline, leadership, and positive community involvement.

 

  1. Red Rovers FC
    Combining football development with life-skills and discipline programmes to help young people thrive on and off the field.

 

  1. Home Fighters Netball Club
    Providing a safe and supportive environment where girls and women can develop confidence, strengthen teamwork, and achieve sporting excellence.

 

  1. Tafelzucht
    Bringing communities together through soccer, netball, and cricket while creating opportunities for youth development and education.

 

  1. Karate Satori
    Building stronger, safer communities through karate, self-defense training, youth mentorship, and nutritional support.

 

  1. Woodlands Archery Academy
    Introducing youth to the focus, discipline, and precision of archery while promoting positive community engagement.

 

  1. Khaye Gymnastics Club
    Developing future champions through rope skipping while creating pathways to provincial and national sporting success.

Community invited to vote

Now, the community has the opportunity to decide who will be crowned Liberty Promenade’s Power of Sport Champion 2026. Visitors are encouraged to explore the exhibition, learn about the incredible work being done by each finalist and cast their vote for the organisation they believe is making the greatest impact.

Voting is open from 7 July 2026 at Liberty Promenade Mall, where visitors can cast their vote by submitting a till slip of any value, clearly marked with their contact details on the back, into the entry boxes at the exhibition. The finalist that receives the most votes will be awarded up to R20 000 to support their work. Voting closes on 27 July 2026. Two shoppers that vote will also stand a chance to win a R 1000 Liberty Promenade shopping voucher each. The winners will be announced on 31 July 2026 as part of Liberty Promenade’s Mandela Day celebrations.

“Sport has the unique ability to inspire, unite and transform lives,” says Liberty Promenade General Manager, Brenda Bibby. “Through this campaign, we wanted to celebrate the organisations that are using sport as a force for good and give our community the opportunity to recognise the incredible work they do every day.”

On selected days, the finalist organisations will be present in the Food District, providing an opportunity for visitors to meet their representatives, learn more about their programmes, and discover how they are making a difference in local communities. Be sure to follow the mall’s social media channels for the latest dates and times and come show your support for these incredible organisations.

For Liberty Promenade, the campaign is about more than recognising sporting excellence, it is about celebrating resilience, community spirit and the people who are creating brighter futures, one game, one training session and one young life at a time.

For more information on the finalists and campaign, visit www.libertypromenade.co.za or follow Liberty Promenade on Facebook, Instagram @ libertypromenademall_za and TikTok @ libertypromenademall.

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