Altus Sport was founded in 1994 by Gert Potgieter and Liana Laubscher. The name “Altus” comes from the Latin Altius, meaning “higher,” reflecting a philosophy of striving for moral growth in body, mind, and soul. Initially focused on sport management, the organisation supported the establishment of sports clubs in township communities. Over time, this evolved from adult-focused initiatives into a more holistic, youth-centred educational approach for school-going children.

The Life’s a Ball programme was introduced in communities and schools where Altus Sport had become a well-known presence. Inspired by the expression “have a ball,” the programme represents fun and enjoyment, while promoting a meaningful, quality life through sport as an educational tool. It uses sport to empower communities, youth, and especially girls, with Olympic education forming a key foundation.

In 2007, Altus Sport was appointed by Nike to convene and coordinate the Sport for Social Change Network (SSCN), uniting NGOs focused on driving social impact through sport. After four years, the organisation successfully handed over a strong, established network to new leadership.

As Altus Sport grew, its focus shifted from sport development to sport for development, expanding its reach to broader communities in need and achieving greater social impact. The Life’s a Ball programme, delivered by trained Youth Sport Leaders, was further enhanced with the addition of reading corners to support literacy.

During the COVID-19 period, a new component—Market Gardens—was introduced. With support from Standard Chartered, vegetable gardens were established at participating schools, creating opportunities for Youth Sport Leaders to develop entrepreneurial skills.

From 2026, Altus Sport will adopt a refreshed approach through the Life’s a Ball Olympism initiative. The programme will operate through interconnected clubs, all rooted in sport and core values. While various sporting codes remain part of the programme, there will be a particular focus on Street Soccer and Touch Rugby. Market gardens, reading corners, and the inclusion of differently-abled children will remain key priorities.