SA Schools League Final Kicks Off with a Bang | Western Cape Government

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SA Schools League Final Kicks Off with a Bang

11 December 2012

Thousands of participants from various schools in all nine provinces came together in a parade at the opening of the National School Sports Championship at the Lucas Moripe Stadium in Atteridgeville, Pretoria on Monday, 10 December 2012.

Smiles were everywhere as various participants – some in wheelchairs and others who danced energetically in their provincial gear – marched together, waving flags and blowing vuvuzelas. Over the next few days, Team Western Cape will compete for top honours in a variety of sporting code competitions across the city.

The championship is being hosted by Sport and Recreation South Africa (SRSA), the Department of Basic Education (DBE), City of Tshwane and others. Minister of Sport Mr Fikile Mbalula told participants that they are all champions just by participating in the competition. He praised athletes with disabilities for their participation, as well as the many teachers who encourage learners to engage in school sport to ensure that the sports stars of the future can emerge.

Minister Mbalula said: “You have all started to shine at schools, and now you are here to compete against the best in the country. School sport plays a key role, and a number of top athletes have been products of this championship. We are definitely building together towards the upcoming Olympic and Paralympic Games.”

The Minister added that his department will offer support, including bursaries, to talented athletes through the Sport Focus Schools Programme to be rolled out in 2013. He encouraged all schools in the country to participate.“The five best-performing schools will receive a multi-purpose sport facility, and promising athletes will be developed through high performance training as we build up to the Olympics,” he said.

Through participating in this championship, partners are helping to turn a vision into reality; the vision of nurturing talent through a structured school sport programme as the bedrock for sport development in South Africa.

Media Enquiries: 

Annerie Pruis-Le Roux
Directorate: Communication Service
Department of Cultural Affairs and Sport
Tel: 021 483 9730
E-mailAnnerie.Pruis@westerncape.gov.za

Or

Roderick Siljeur
Directorate: Sport Development
Department of Cultural Affairs and Sport
Tel: 021 483 9654
E-mail: Roderick.Siljeur@westerncape.gov.za