‘The moment of victory is much too short to live for that and nothing else,’ said Martina Navratilova, a former professional tennis player.
In addition to commemorating victories, sports competitions also aim to impart lessons on sportsmanship and camaraderie to soldiers.
This was clear when the 4 Artillery Regiment won the North West Physical Training Sports and Recreational Council’s (PTSRC) winter sports day for the second time.

The Potchefstroom Military Sports Club (PMSC) management committee, along with individual sports code chairpersons of the PMSC and unit sports representatives of all the SANDF units in North West organised this 6th annual Sports Day at the PMSC Sports Grounds in Potchefstroom on Wednesday, 16 May. The very important aspect of sports making people feel they are part of something was clearly visible on the day.
The fantastic turnout from the 15 participating units and the pleasant weather provided a perfect boost for the soldiers participating in this winter sports day.
At the PMSC Johan Du Randt Rugby Stadium, the soldiers got into the spirit of the occasion in a grand way with the acting chairperson of the NW PTSR Council, Lt-Col M.H. Mosimane officially opening the day’s activities.

Photos: Supplied
His energising message set the tone for the rest of the event, motivating the soldiers to give their best for the glory of their respective units.
This bi-annual sports day for soldiers proved to be an excellent way of bringing people together in a relaxed environment to build lasting networks and friendship across the organisation in the future.
Once the nine sports events began, the air was filled with cheering and tons of encouragement for the participants. As has been the custom over the years, the soccer competition was once again vigorously contested.
The units participated in netball, freshwater angling, golf, road running, bowls, walking, cue sports, soccer and volleyball.
After much blood, sweat and tears, the day ended with the 4 Artillery Regiment winning the event for the second time, beating the School of Artillery in second place with a mere one point.
1 Tactical Intelligence Regiment finished 3rd, only two points adrift from the School of Artillery.