Aon helps netballers court with success

Utrecht High’s Head of Department, Philip Smit extended his appreciation to Aon for its continued sponsorship, and said rural schools like theirs relied on this to succeed.

March 8, 2018

Bruce Douglas 1 minute read

Utrecht High School Head of Department, Philip Smit with Aon South Africa's Cheryl Beurel and Aon Newcastle's Paul Byrom.

UTRECHT – As of last week, Utrecht High School boasts a new sport facility.

The facility, which includes a netball court, scoreboard and an ablution block, was handed over by representatives of Aon South Africa at a function at the school on Saturday morning.

Aon officials from Newcastle and Johannesburg were present.

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Following a short speech by Cheryl Beurel, a former Springbok sportswoman and Business Unit Head of Speciality Operations for Aon, a ceremonial ribbon was cut.

This meant the court was open for players to begin practise.

Once the formalities had concluded, Beurel explained the reason Aon continued to lend its support to Utrecht High.

“Aon believes in empowering the youth and helping them learn, such as respecting one another. We want to leave a legacy of doing good for all.”

Beurel said sport was one way to pass on vital knowledge to children.

Five years earlier, Beurel was approached for assistance with netballs by a relative, Bernadette van Schalkwyk, who is also a teacher at Utrecht High.

Aon then agreed to assist with both equipment and training.

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Since then, the company has assisted Utrecht High with branded kit, netball equipment, and eventually transformed the school’s facilities from grass courts to paved courts.

“We thank everyone from Utrecht and wish them all of the best.”

Utrecht High’s Head of Department, Philip Smit extended his appreciation to Aon for its continued sponsorship, and said rural schools like theirs relied on this to succeed.

His words were mirrored by Aon Newcastle branch mananger, Paul Byrom.

“There is a huge future for children, with many amazing prospects.”

The morning was concluded with snacks and refreshments at the school’s clubhouse.