Addressing thousands of school participants clad in their colourful tracksuits, who came from all nine provinces, Mbalula further reiterated that you must take your participation here seriously, this is not just another competition.
The inaugural Championships officially opened yesterday and end up December 15.
5000 or so athletes will compete in 9 sporting codes over 5 days around the City of Tshwane.
The Minister said his department and other sponsors would make available R16 million to spend on schools that focus on the big five sporting codes which includes football, rugby, cricket, netball and athletics.
“In addition, if you are talented we will give you a bursary so that one day you can represent South Africa. There has never been a program like this. Here we have different codes, where future rugby stars will come out; athletics, netball and other sporting codes will produce stars.”
National Lottery Board chairman, Professor Alfred Nevhutanda said he was pleased to see learners looking forward to outnumber each other during the 5-day event.
“As the lottery board, we’re committed in helping were possible and for us it’s pleasing to see learners full of excitement and eager to participate. It’s heart full-filling and overwhelming,“ he commented.
MEC for Sport in Free State Dan “Custa” Khothule emphasised the importance of dietry and training regularly to competitors.
Addressing delegates, teachers and LOC members last night at the gala dinner MEC said educating these learners on appropriate eating healthy will help them in competing aggressively against their peers.
” Training programmes should be adhered to by teachers to help our future stars become competitively better on the field. A healthy body needs a healthy mind”, he stressed.
The schools champs are a culmination of SA schools league programme, which has partnered with the national Basic Education.
For more information on the programme visit: http://www.srsa.gov.za
