• The South African National Scrabble Players Association (SANSPA) was formed in 1989.
• There is currently a vote under way and it looks like the name of SANPSA will be changed to Scrabble South Africa. This decision will be taken at the SA Nationals on 27/28 April.
• SANSPA’s mandate is to create awarness, develop organised scrabble, promote club scrabble, scrabble in schools, run competitions and mentor promising scrabble players etc.
• Since the beginning of 2005 there has been a dynamic and sustained programme of action. This has, inter alia, resulted in new clubs and new partnerships with key stake holders (such as JFT, Gauteng Education Dept, Blue Horizon, Jonathan Ball Publishers etc)
• New Clubs include the Sunday Club, The Europa (Melrose Arch) club and the Fourways Club (likely to move to Europa in Broadacres shortly) There are approx 12 clubs now affiliated to SANSPA

This is likely to increase significantly in the next three years/

• SANSPA has created awareness and promoted scrabble on several fronts – and with new intensity in the last two years- including “Alive Advertising” Radio and TV coverage, Articles in a wide range of newspapers/magazines, and regular promotions in shopping centres and book shops.
• The Schools Programme has expanded dramatically in the last two years. There are now over 40 schools who have been given sets. The range of schools in the programme include several in Soweto, Vaal Triangle, West Rand, and Johannesburg. We have conducted workshops in many schools and also trained many teachers.
• SANSPA’s activities have been endorsed and encouraged by Pallo Jordan (Minister of Arts and Culture) and Naledi Pandor (Minister of Education)
• SANSPA organises competitions (including SA Nationals, SA Open, SA Masters) and weekend getaways. We also have held several events in support of various charities.
• Scrabble brings together people of all ages, from different backgrounds and transcends culture and race. It assists in developing literacy, a love and feel for the English language, arithmetical skills, strategy and time management.
• SANSPA (or Scrabble South Africa – the likely new name for the organisation) is likely to bid to host the 2010 African Scrabble Championships
• SANSPA also organises and runs an annual school; event for Gauteng Schools

Posted on March 5th, 2007 by Barry
Filed under: Uncategorized