Three Rusthof rugby clubs – Strand, Strand United and St George’s RFC – will unite the community this Sunday (12 July) for a street parade honouring local sevens rugby star Tristan Leyds, who was named the world’s best sevens player.
Leyds, who grew up in Strand, has brought international recognition to the community with this historic achievement. The parade is a joint initiative of the three clubs, who met on Monday 15 June and committed to celebrating the milestone together and inspiring the next generation of local youth.
The Leyds family and Tristan himself have thrown their full support behind the initiative.
Organisers are also hopeful that Blitzboks coach Phillip Snyman and other members of the national sevens squad will be able to attend.
The parade will begin with set-up and assembly at Abattoir Sports Ground from 10:30, with the procession departing at 11:00. The route will take in Webb Street, Onverwacht Street, 8th Street, 9th Street, Broadlands Road, and Broadway Boulevard, passing the Leyds family residence in Helderberg Park, before continuing via Broadlands Park to Gustrouw Sports Ground.
At Gustrouw, the programme continues with the introduction of Tristan and his family, the Blitzboks, and VIPs, followed by speeches at 13:00, a photo opportunity at 13:30, and will conclude at the Irvin October Museum.
The parade route will feature performances by the Strand Senior Secondary
School field band and drum majorettes.
“This achievement proves that world-class talent can come from our own streets,” said organising committee coordinator Reuben Riffel.
We want every child who lines this route to understand that a boy from Strand can become the best in the world at what he does – and that they can too.
The organising committee has been coordinating with the City of Cape Town, local police, the South African Rugby Union, WP Rugby, and local businesses to ensure a safe and memorable occasion for the whole community.
Members of the public are encouraged to line the route and join the celebrations at Gustrouw Sports Ground.
