South Africa’s top sporting schools are preparing their squads for the 2022 Absa Wildeklawer Schools Sports Tournament, taking place in the Diamond City, between April 24 and May 2.
AFTER all the hype and happenings of the Easter Weekend, Kimberley will not have the opportunity to sit back and take it easy. And that’s not bad news …
In fact, it’s very exciting news because South Africa’s top sporting schools are preparing their squads for the 2022 Absa Wildeklawer Schools Sports Tournament, taking place in the Diamond City, between April 24 and May 2.
Primary and high school pupils from all over the country will be competing in a festival of rugby, netball, and football, with football being the new edition to this year’s tournament.
“Due to the COVID-19 pandemic and its impact on sports; players, coaches, parents and sports fans were deprived of school sports for almost two years,” said Stonie Steenkamp, Managing Executive: Regional Coverage Central South Africa (TBC)
“With the national state of disaster now lifted, we are excited to bring back the Absa Wildeklawer Schools Sports Tournament. Through this tournament, we continue to support the development of sports in our country and remain committed to providing a platform for young sportsmen and women to showcase their talents,” Steenkamp said.
Kyk hoe vinnig speel die meisies netbal by 'n vorige Wildeklawer Sport-toernooi. Wie dink julle gaan dié jaar die beste vaar? pic.twitter.com/y69F58zBTI
— Absa Wildeklawer (@AWildeklawer) April 13, 2022
Adding football to the tournament has increased the number of youngsters competing in the various sporting codes to a staggering 4,239.
This year, Absa has also introduced several innovations that have enhanced the experience for all involved.
“As part of the 2022 tournament, we will be introducing the Absa MegaU Luxury Bus: with free Wi-Fi, VR rugby games and PlayStations. These will all be available for players and fans to entertain themselves,” said Steenkamp.
“In addition to the bus, we have the Absa Kuierkamer; an area for invited guests to sit, relax and watch games. We also have some half-time fun activations where youngsters can win cool prizes,” he added.
Through the tournament, Absa also aims to empower local entrepreneurs and small businesses in Kimberley through collaboration and making sure that they form part of the festival.
This forms part of Absa’s #SmallBusinessFriday movement, which is aimed at helping small businesses grow, employ more, reduce unemployment and nurture the country’s entrepreneurial spirit.
The banking group’s commitment to uplift communities, encourage community participation initiatives and develop sports in the country is reflected in their continued efforts in supporting tournaments and projects such as the Absa Wildeklawer Sports Tournament, Absa Run Your City, Absa Cape Epic and their sponsorship for the Qhubeka Charity where they distribute bicycles to change lives.
How many international rugby stars have played in the previous Wildeklawer tournaments? Have a look here: https://t.co/2JQFNgT61K
— Absa Wildeklawer (@AWildeklawer) April 8, 2022
“We are extremely grateful to Absa for their commitment to sports development and choosing to partner with us in bringing this tournament to life again,” said Cassie Carstens, Operations Manager for the tournament.
“Absa Wildeklawer has produced 20 Springbok rugby players since 2009 and we are confident that with a partner like Absa we will produce more professional sportsmen and women. We look forward to many years of success and taking the tournament to the next level,” he added.
Did you know? The Wildeklawer Sport tournament has produced 20 Springbok rugby players since 2009.
Here are the names – which Springbok rugby player is your favorite? https://t.co/XolMp2IxXI— Absa Wildeklawer (@AWildeklawer) April 4, 2022
For more information on the Absa Wildeklawer Schools Sports Tournament, click here.
Absa Wildeklawer Sport Tournament at glance:
Rugby/Netball (Primary Schools) April 24-27 – Newton Primary School.
Rugby/Netball (Invitational tournament) April 27-30 – Diamantveld High School and Newton Primary School.
Rugby (Junior) April 29-May 2 – Diamantveld High School and Newton Primary School.
Rugby/Netball (Senior) April 29 – May 2 – Diamantveld High School
Soccer April 29-May 2 – Kimberley Boys’ High School
