Following the success of the
winter games in July this year, PlayerNation is bringing yet another wave of
excitement to the Karoo this month, with its much-anticipated summer athletics
games that will take place on December 5 and 6.
School learners, communities
and surroundings can look forward to this unforgettable experience.
The two-day event will provide
not only fun to sport enthusiasts but also relaxation for residents and school
learners in the Karoo, offering a much-needed opportunity to unwind after the long
exams.
The winter holiday sports
programme attracted more than 1 000 young people, boys and girls from
Somerset-East, Cookhouse, Bedford, and Adelaide communities.
The programme, featuring rugby,
soccer, netball, and indigenous games, surpassed expectations and set the stage
for a comprehensive rollout.
John O’Connor, CEO of Arch
Group Holdings, company for the Institute of Sport said, “PlayerNation is all
about showing the incredible impact that sports can have on our young people,
shaping their future in ways beyond imagination. We are thrilled to bring this
amazing wave of excitement to the Karoo with our upcoming summer athletics games.”
“The games are not just about
competition; they are about empowering youth through sports excellence. We are
inviting all communities in the Karoo and surroundings to join us in this
thrilling two-day event.”
The two-day event will take
place at Bedford, Eastern Cape and will attract an overwhelming participation
of young people who are eager to engage in a day filled with fun, and the joy
of sports.
“This unique platform provides
young athletes with the opportunity to showcase their skills, promote active
living, and foster a sense of pride in their accomplishments. We can’t wait to
welcome the scores of talented individuals who will contribute to the vibrant
sports community that we are building,” said O’Connor.
PlayerNation, is an initiative
developed by the Institute of Sport partnering with Exxaro as the first founder
partner, through its renewable energy business Cennergi. It was launched in May
2023.
With a multifaceted approach
encompassing sport, health, education, and skills development, PlayerNation, in
partnership with the Department of Sport and the Department of Basic Education
aims to become the ultimate school sports programme, impacting 28 000 schools
nationwide.
Designed
as a day out event in the Karoo this December, for young people, family and
friends, the summer games focus on empowering youth through sports excellence,
contributing to their physical, mental, and emotional well-being.
Cennergi’s Economic Development
and Community Programmes Coordinator in Amakhala Emoyeni Windfarm, Simphiwe
Mbenya, expressed the organisation’s pride in supporting the programme to
create a lasting impact on South African schools and communities.
“PlayerNation goes beyond
sculpting athletes; it’s about cultivating a new generation of champions and
laying the foundation for a nationwide movement that extends beyond sports,”
said Mbenya.
“At Cennergi, we believe in
contributing to the communities that we serve, and partnering with PlayerNation
aligns with our commitment to holistic development. We are proud to support an
initiative that creates a positive impact on the lives of young individuals.”
The summer athletics games will
feature various types of sports including, soccer, rugby and netball and
indigenous games.
Reflecting on the winter games,
School Governing Body Chairperson for Templeton High School, Rudi Arends noted
with satisfaction the remarkable transformation witnessed among school learners
in the community. He stated that the spark of interest in sports that ignited
during the winter games has continued to grow.
“It’s heartening to see our
learners eagerly anticipating future sports games with such enthusiasm,” he
said.
“The excitement and impact of
the winter games have not only lingered within the school but has extended
beyond our school gates. It’s not just the learners who are enthusiastic; even
parents have expressed their desire for these games.”
Arends concluded by urging both
learners and the entire communities in the Karoo to come out in full support
and embrace these summer games as an opportunity to connect, enjoy, and
actively participate in promoting a healthy lifestyle.
