Laerskool Kruinsig hosts athletics for local school
Eight schools and 830 athletes participated.
Laerskool Kruinsig recently hosted the Kempton Park Schools Athletics event at Hoërskool Kempton Park.
Eight schools participated, with 830 athletes competing across various events.
The competition highlights included the U13 boys’ high jump, where a record was broken, and the exciting and energetic relays.
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Jaco Beukes, the head of athletics at Kruinsig, described the inter-school competition as a key event on Kempton Park’s sports calendar.
The responsibility of hosting rotates among schools each year, and this time, Laerskool Kruinsig organised the event.
“This year, Laerskool Kruinsig had the privilege of hosting this competition. The event was well-organised and received high praise from the community,” said Beukes.
“The Kruinies could not have asked for a better outcome. Besides winning the competition, the community’s overwhelming support and positive feedback made it a successful event.”
Beukes said preparations began as early as last September, with regular meetings with the organisers and Hoërskool Kempton Park’s sports department to ensure a seamless experience for all participants.
One of the biggest challenges was securing sponsorships to help cover the financial costs. Despite this, the teamwork and the Laerskool Kruinsig staff and volunteers ensured a successful competition.
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The event followed Athletics South Africa’s regulations, with medical personnel on standby.
All schools used the Versus computer program to record and track points accurately, and the school relied on an experienced announcer to keep the audience engaged.
“This event is unique to the town and highlights the strong sense of community among the schools,” said Beukes.
He said athletics is an individual and a team sport, with athletes competing for personal achievements and their schools.
The many participants reflected a commitment to fitness and personal growth.
After the inter-primary event, the athletes move to the Greater Kempton Park competition, then the D17 event, and, ultimately, the Gauteng Championships. From there, they can compete at the highest level: the SA Championships.
Laerskool Kruinsig principal Nico Loggenberg thanked the Arrie Nel Pharmacy Group and Standard Bank for their sponsorship.
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He also suggested that if Kruinsig hosts the event again, it should be held on a Saturday to allow more parents to attend and support their children.
“Laerskool Kruinsig looks forward to seeing these young athletes continue their journey, striving for excellence and reaching new heights in athletics,” said Loggenberg.
Record-breaking results:
• Boys’ U7 80m – Thabang Makhurupetji (Jeugpark Primary), 12:58;
• Boys’ U10 high jump – Ethan Beukes (Kruinsig), 1.30m;
• Girls’ U10 long jump – Uju Nwigwe (Aston Manor Primary), 4.28m;
• Boys’ U9 4x100m relay – Kempton Laerskool, 58:33;
• Girls’ U10 4x100m relay – Aston Manor Primary, 59:38,
• Boys’ U10 4x100m relay – Aston Manor Primary, 56:87.
• Boys’ U13 4x100m relay – Kempton Laerskool, 51:15.
