Cape Winelands abuzz with Olympic Spirit at Annual Olympic Day | Western Cape Government

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Cape Winelands abuzz with Olympic Spirit at Annual Olympic Day

18 October 2016

On Saturday 15 October 2016 the Western Cape Department of Cultural Affairs and Sport (DCAS) hosted an Olympic Day in Klapmuts, in partnership with the Western Cape Provincial Sports Confederation, Cape Winelands Sports Council and the Stellenbosch Municipality. Learners kitted out like true Olympians, with olive wreaths on their heads and the Olympic rings on their chests, kicked off the Cape Winelands Olympic Day in true Olympic fashion.

The annual event, held in different regions of the province each year, aims to create awareness around the establishment of the Olympic Games and its ancient history and values, and to educate citizens and society about Olympism. There was a strong focus on the Rio 2016 Olympics and Paralympics that took place earlier in the year.

Learners from the following schools participated in the festivities: Wemmershoek Primary School, Nondame Primary School, Simondium Primary School, JJ Rhode Primary School, Pniel Primary School, Dalubuhle Primary School, Ronwe Primary School, and Devon Valley Primary School. To start off the proceedings, a traditional march past saw each school representing a country that participates in the Olympics.

The crowd was welcomed by the chairperson of the Western Cape Provincial Sports Confederation, JP Naude. “Sport brings people together, and participation in sport contributes greatly towards our country and nation building. I encourage you to continue with your participation in sport so more people can make a difference in South Africa,” said Naude. He concluded by quoting the late Nelson Mandela, “Sport has an ability to change a nation”.

A fun run followed, and thereafter learners were involved in interactive demonstrations of the ancient Olympic game of Tug-of-War, as well as baseball, tennis, table tennis, chess, rugby, doccer, netball, boxing, wrestling, kickboxing and the indigenous games of koko and marabaraba.

“I would like to thank all our partners for organising such a wonderful event, and all the schools for coming along to participate in the Cape Winelands Olympic Day,” said Thabo Tutu, DCAS Director of Sport Promotion, who delivered the vote of thanks.

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

Media Enquiries: 

Tania Colyn
Head of Communication Service
Department of Cultural Affairs and Sport
Tel: 021 483 9877
E-mail: Tania.Colyn@westerncape.gov.za