Montrose Night Challenge marks 25 years despite weather setback
Excitement filled the courts at Montrose Primary School as the school celebrated the 25th anniversary of its night challenge tournament until heavy rain and lightning brought the evening to an early end.
The spirit of sport and celebration was alive at Montrose Primary School on February 13 as learners, teachers and parents gathered to celebrate 25 years of the Montrose Night Challenge.
What began in 2001 with just six teams from six schools has grown into a major inter-school sporting event that brings together 40 teams from 20 schools across Johannesburg with 699 learners participating this year.
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The event organiser Gwen Nelson reflected on the tournament’s remarkable growth over the years.
“This is our 25th year of doing the Montrose Night Challenge. We started in 2001 with six teams from six different schools. We now have 40 teams, 20 different schools participating, and 696 children who actually participate in the event.
“It’s bigger than last year; we have added netball. We’ve got more teams playing in the netball pool. The cricket is very similar to what it was before, but the teams are very, very competitive and love what they do.”
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An hour after the opening cricket and netball matches began, dark clouds rolled in. Heavy rain and lightning forced players off the field for safety reasons.
Players and event organisers waited for an hour in the hope that the weather would clear but the storm persisted.
“I was looking forward to a wonderful start, as always, but unfortunately I have no control over the weather. But we will make it up to the kids and makes it more special for them,” Nelson said.
@caxtonjoburgnorth Excitement filled the courts at Montrose Primary School as the school celebrated the 25 years of its night challenge tournament despite heavy rain and lightning. Event organiser Gwen Nelson and the school’s marketing manager Mokhosi Makara reflect on the tournament’s remarkable growth over the years. Video: Xoliswa Zakwe #Nightrun #Sandton ♬ original sound – Caxton Joburg North
The school’s marketing manager who assisted with organising the event said though the official opening ceremony has been postponed, plans are already in place to ensure the tournament continues smoothly.
“Today was the 25th anniversary of our wonderful tournament. We started off very well, but unfortunately due to the intimate weather change along the way, we had to stop some of the matches and postpone everything,” Makara said.
He added that the cricket matches will continue next week from Monday to Friday, but the official opening ceremony will take place on February 27.
“We’ve moved the opening ceremony, all the fun, all the fireworks, all the drums, and all the music is happening on the 27th of February. Everyone must come to watch and have some more fun. A lot of things will be happening on the 27th of February,” he added.
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