This October, Cape Mental Health is encouraging the young and young-at-heart to paint the sky with colourful kites, all while raising mental health awareness.
Since its inception in 1994, Cape Mental Health has donned the badge of the custodian of the Cape Town Kite Festival, Africa’s oldest kite event dedicated to both raising funds and championing the cause of mental well-being.
Also read: Skies the limit with the Cape Town International Kite Festival
Cape Mental Health’s annual flagship event, the Cape Town Kite Festival, will raise the funds required to carry out its important mission of providing essential, cost-free mental healthcare services and interventions to those in need.
By investing in the next generation, Cape Mental Health strives to lay the groundwork for the prevention of mental health disorders, allowing young minds to reach their full potential and pursue their dreams without restraint.
‘In October, the sky, which has no limits, will become a beautiful canvas adorned with messages of hope and encouragement. In times of trouble and adversity, hope, support and kindness help us to hold on,’ said Dr Ingrid Daniels, the CEO of Cape Mental Health.
She added, ‘Hope is the anchor that supports our mental health and gives us the courage to take one more step. It reassures us of better days to come; hope removes fear. As kites soar against the adverse winds, it helps us to dream about a future filled with possibilities, holding on and never giving up.’
Locals and visitors of all ages are invited to enjoy the splendour of kite-flying on the shores of Melkbosstrand Beach in Cape Town on Sunday, 29 October 2023.
The much-anticipated Pop-Up Fly garners immense support, drawing crowds to the beach as families come together to enjoy the ‘show kites’ adorning the skies. These colourful displays are skillfully manoeuvred by accomplished South African kiters like Mari Ware-Lane, Bradley Ware-Lane, Bobby Gathoo, Brian Skinner, Wesley Beales, Frans Marais and others.
In accordance with its mission to uplift underserved communities and those most marginalised, the Cape Town Kite Festival includes the annual Community Fly at Heideveld Sports Field on the Cape Flats. Scheduled for October 3, 2023, this event will see children with intellectual disabilities from CMH’s Special Education & Care Centres in Heideveld, Khayelitsha and Mitchells Plain join in the festivities. Grade R learners from local schools and preschools in the Heideveld community will also add their vibrant presence to the celebration.
An exciting part of the Cape Town Kite Festival is the EduKite Competition, a platform where learners from both mainstream primary schools and those catering to special educational needs participate in kite-making and kite-decorating contests. Monetary prizes await the victorious teams, creating an atmosphere of friendly competition and creative expression.
Join hands with fellow kite enthusiasts across the globe and be part of the 29th Cape Town Kite Festival, wherever you may be, throughout the month of October 2023.
As your kite ascends to new heights, capture its magic through photos and videos, spreading messages of inspiration far and wide.
Share your kite-flying journey by tagging #TheSkyIsYourCanvas and @CTKiteFest.
Find out more about this event by visiting the official website here.
Contact Information for the Cape Town International Kite Festival:
- Facebook: facebook.com/CTKiteFest
- Twitter: @CTKiteFest
- Instagram: @CTKiteFest
- Website: capementalhealth.co.za/TheSkyIsYourCanvas
- Hashtags: #TheSkyIsYourCanvas and #CTKiteFest
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Picture: Supplied
