Lize Mari seeks support to represent South Africa at COSSASA Games
Fourteen-year-old Hoërskool Marais Viljoen High School athlete Lize Mari van den Berg has earned the honour of representing South Africa at the 2026 COSSASA Games in Zimbabwe after a remarkable performance at the South African Schools Championships.
Hoërskool Marais Viljoen High School is celebrating the outstanding achievement of 14-year-old athlete Lize Mari van den Berg, who has been selected to represent South Africa at the 2026 COSSASA Games in Bulawayo, Zimbabwe, from August 31 to September 3.
Lize Mari is appealing for support from the community, businesses and organisations to help cover the travel and participation costs of competing at this prestigious African event.
The young athlete earned her place in the South African team after delivering exceptional performances at the South African Schools Championships.
She claimed gold in the 400m event, won another gold as part of the Swedish Medley Relay team, where she ran the 400m leg, and secured a silver medal in the 800m event.
As the reigning South African 400m champion, Lize Mari automatically qualified to represent Team South Africa.
She will compete in both the 400m and 800m events at the COSSASA Games, where she will face some of the strongest young athletes from across the region.
The COSSASA Games bring together talented athletes from countries including South Africa, Zimbabwe, Botswana, Namibia, Lesotho and Eswatini, featuring several sporting codes, including athletics, football, netball and volleyball, with Botswana expected to add strong competition to the event.
Reflecting on her achievement, Lize Mari said her success has been built on faith, determination and many hours of hard work.
“First of all, I would like to take this opportunity to thank my heavenly Father for the opportunity and the talent that allowed me to achieve this. I have taken this talent and worked extremely hard, and that is what got me to this point.
“Winning the South African Championships was my initial goal. Now my sights are set on doing the same at the COSSASA Games in Zimbabwe,” she said.
Her parents, Andre and Mari van den Berg, said watching their daughter’s journey has been a proud moment for the entire family.
“We are proud of what Lize Mari has achieved over the last couple of years. Her perseverance and dedication have paid off, bringing her to this incredible point. Being only 14 years old and achieving what she has achieved to date is truly a blessing from above. said Andre.
Although representing South Africa is a dream come true, taking part in an international competition comes with significant travel and participation costs. Liz-Mari and her family are appealing to community members to assist through sponsorships or donations to help make this opportunity possible.
Every contribution, regardless of the amount, will help Lize Mari proudly wear the green and gold while representing South Africa, Hoërskool Marais Viljoen and her community on the international stage.
Residents who wish to support Lize Mari or obtain more information can contact her father, Andre van den Berg, on 082 619 1617.
