Athletes compete in school championships in Germiston

The South African Schools Athletics (SASA) National Primary Schools Track and Field Championships came to a successful close over the weekend at Germiston Stadium.

Schools from throughout the country gathered in Ekurhuleni to compete for the title of national champions.

McKayla Fourie and Levi de Jager led the province in the 12-year javelin for both boys and girls.

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This was the last stop for athletes in the track and field school’s sports season.

The director of schools sports and co-curriculum in the Department of Education, Zondi Nkuna, expressed pride in the province’s championship victory and advancement.

“The Gauteng athletes were able to take advantage of their home field. Coming back here for the national championships is a lift for them because they gathered here for the provincial championships.

“The Gauteng athletes took part in an event at a stadium that they were familiar with.

“The facilities meet our expectations, and the location is convenient in the province.

“To qualify for the nationals, 15 districts competed in the provincials. Those who placed first and second were immediately qualified to compete at nationals.

“Every year, athletes attempt to shatter records. This shows that we are improving as a province. For the provincials, we received two medals, one from the sponsors and one from the department.

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“We continue to encourage mass participation in sports every year, we urge more black learners to learn how to swim.

“We have found swimming pools in townships that local schools may utilise for training. In the coming years, we will see black swimmers representing the country on big stages.

“Our events are well organised and our empires (referees) are well-trained and equipped to handle the load, and we continue to witness remarkable progress throughout the province,” said Nkuna.