The young athletes and contenders were honoured with a refined evening at Hoërskool Kanonkop, which is playing host to the upcoming Derby that ultimately kicks off today.

While the captains prepare themselves to lead their teams onto the field, coaches and teachers shared messages of encouragement not only to their own teams but also to their competitors, with a warm handshake and tokens of appreciation.

The first event took place today in Hoërskool Kanonkop’s school hall, where both schools’ public speakers challenged each other with fierce intellect and powers of persuasion.

The full Derby programme can be viewed here.