Olympic values celebrated at Olympic Day

Approximately 210 children celebrated the Olympic values and participated in various sports codes during the Olympic and Paralympic Day that took place on 7 October 2017. The day was hosted by the Department of Cultural Affairs and Sport, in partnership with the Swartland Municipality, Darling Rugby Club, West Coast Sport Council and the Western Cape Provincial Sports Confederation.

The children, who are all residents of Darling, participated in sports codes such as cycling, rugby, netball and kickboxing to name a few. This Olympic Day was the last event of a year-long Olympic Day roadshow. Roadshows were held in different towns such as Graafwater, Klawer and Hopefield.

Banyana Banyana coach, Desiree Ellis, motivated the youth to participate in sports, but also to be serious about their school work. "School work comes first.  If you do your school work, you will have the opportunity to make something of your life," she said. She also encouraged the students to grab all opportunities presented to them with both hands.

Motivation to work hard and follow your dreams came from two learners from Roosendal High School. Joseph van Syfer and Alicia Heyman were selected to represent South Africa at the Pierre de Coubertin Olympics in Moscow. "Sport is not only about medals or winning, it’s also about enjoying yourself and being all that you can be," said Alicia to all the children present.

Let us continue to encourage our youth to take part in sport, to build a healthier and stronger Western Cape, BETTER TOGETHER.