The Department of Basic Education (DBE), in partnership with the Department of Sports and Recreation South Africa, officially opened the 2015 SA School Sports Championships at the University of Pretoria on 10 December 2015. The competition, which is scheduled from 10 to 15 December 2015, drew six thousands learners from across South Africa to participate in various kinds of sporting codes, aimed at integrating sport with the Curriculum.
Through these championships learners who excel in sports are being nurtured and supported to raise the South African flag high. The SA School Sports Championships was initiated in 2012 to develop learner interest in sport so that they remain physically active during their schooling career. The programme commences at a classroom level with interclass and interhouse programmes, which are part of the intraschool sports activities that are co-ordinated by school committees. These culminate in interschool activities at the circuit level with the districts organising circuit festivals and district championships.
Approximately, eighteen sporting codes have been scheduled for learner participation this year; these are provincial winning teams and selected players that have earned their place at the provincial championships. These codes include, among others: Basketball, Chess, Cricket, Football, Goalball, Gymnastics, Hockey, Jukskei, Kgati, Khokho, Morabaraba, Netball, Rugby, Softball, Swimming, Table Tennis, Tennis and Volleyball.
During the official opening of the SA School Sport Championships, Acting Executive Mayor of Tshwane, Mr Joshua Ngonyama, said that the promotion of sport in schools plays an integral role as it boosts learner performance in class. “Leaners who participate in sport tend to succeed academically as opposed to those who don’t. Girls who compete obtain better grades and are more confident in life,” said the Acting Executive Mayor. He further stated that sports assists learners to deal with social challenges such as depression, teenage pregnancy and drug abuse.
In his message of support and opening remarks, Basic Education Deputy Director-General for Care and Support, Dr Granville Whittle, encouraged learners to take the competition very seriously because it is through competitions of this nature, that sport talents among young stars can be nurtured to become international champions. Dr Whittle wished learners the best of luck and encouraged them to participate in sport from the beginning until the end of the year.
