
Various dignitaries, sports stars, leaders in the sports and education sectors and executives from Transnet will attend this prestigious event at the Germiston Stadium, to lend credence to what has become a vehicle for profound social change in rural South Africa.
Evidently, South Africa is abound with sporting talent, but much of it is yet to be discovered and nurtured. This Tournament gives a platform for schools, trainers and scouts to be able to identify, cultivate and develop this God-given ability.
Research supports the premise that team sports always have a positive impact on the development of young people. Those involved in active sport tend to do better academically and are more likely to matriculate, gain a tertiary education or learn a trade and find jobs.
Because sport is where the young will broaden their horizons and test their skills, Transnet started the Transnet Rural and Farm Schools Tournament to give the youth an equal chance to assimilate with their contemporaries.
The Tournament has grown over the years to become a truly rewarding opportunity for all those involved. The programme has seen a number of its learners winning sporting scholarships and selected for national sports teams and regional soccer programmes.
To assist the learners and their mentors to focus solely on competing, the Transnet Foundation provides transport and accommodation for all the participants over the duration of the event. There are twenty schools per province in all seven of our provinces taking part in the tournament.
Monday 5 October 2015, sees the arrival of all participants in time for the opening ceremony which will feature inspiring speakers and entertainment. During the following two days, there will be tournaments for netball, football, athletics and chess. Girls and boys between the ages of 13 and 19, all of coached by qualified staff, will be competing for honours. Participants can also look forward to a gala dinner on the evening of 5 October 2015 and a prize giving after all the tournaments have been completed.
These words from Michael Moloto, Transnet Foundation’s Senior Sports Manager, correctly sum up the importance of the annual tournament. He says: “Each and every year we hold this competition, we see greater and more inspiring results. There’s an amazing, positive spirit amongst learners and coaches, and we can see they’re motivated to win and do well. At Transnet, we are very happy and proud to help South African learners in this incredible journey from grassroots to glory.”
This year's event will begin at 17h00 on Monday, 5 October 2015 with an opening ceremony. The competitors, sports scouts and dignitaries will spend the following three days witnessing up-and-coming sports talent in all four disciplines.
Date: 5 – 8 October 2015
Time: 17h00 – 19h30 (Opening ceremony)
Venue: Germiston Stadium, Gauteng