Gauteng scores hat-trick

THE 2019 SA Schools Championship was hosted in Gauteng in December and the team representing the province took first place overall.

The annual tournament took place at various venues in Tshwane. Though the persistent rain disrupted some matches, the games were successfully concluded on December 13 at the University of Pretoria.

Participants representing the province were selected through the School Sport programme that is co-ordinated by the Gauteng Departments of Education & Sports, Arts and Culture. The event catered for learners at secondary schools and included the codes of rugby 7s, cricket, goalball, softball, swimming, basketball, table tennis and gymnastics. A total of 400 learners represented the province and celebrated in style as it was the third consecutive year that they were hailed as winners.

The chef de Mission, Mathule Makhotla, praised the sporting spirit in which the event was held.

“As Gauteng, we have motivated our learners through the Honours function that we hosted prior to the start of the games. This ensured that every child and every team were already acknowledged for reaching these final stages of the Summer Games. Each and every child here competed fairly in the true spirit of sportsmanship. Win or lose, we are proud of the achievements of all. Congratulations to the players, managers, coaches and support staff for the delivery of Team Gauteng.”

The school sport programme commences in January and concludes at the end of the year with these championships. There is an opportunity for learners across the spectrum to be actively involved in the 16 codes of sport on offer. The province ensures that Districts are capacitated in the delivery of a comprehensive school sport programme as well as various partnership programmes. This is open to all schools in all areas.

This year will witness the strengthening of the school sport leagues and the increased capacitation of educators and volunteers to deliver on the programme. Parents are encouraged to contact their closest District office to gain further information regarding school sport in their area.

TOP THREE PROVINCES:

Gauteng 442 points Western Cape 422 points Mpumalanga 260 points