The opening ceremony of the 4th SA Games took place in Mangaung, Bloemfontein on Monday evening, attended by a number of dignitaries including Mr. Gert Oosthuizen, the Free State Premier Ms. FB Marshoff, and SASCOC President, Mr. Moss Mashishi.
The Seisa Ramabodu stadium came to life as the various provinces streamed in for the official parade. Looking smart in their provincial colours the athletes were full of excitement waving to onlookers.
It was indeed a great achievement for many of the young athletes who had worked hard to earn their places to represent their provinces.
Many of them have dreams and ambitions of representing their country at the highest levels of sport internationally and these games certainly provide them with a stepping stone to fulfilling those ambitions.
“These Games provide an ideal platform for talented athletes to be identified early so that they may benefit from special programmes designed to take them to the next level of sporting competition,”said Moss Mashishi. “We certainly look forward to an exciting few days of competition.”
The Games got off to a good start earlier in the day after almost 5500 athletes and technical officials arrived in the Free State capital on Sunday.
After settling into their accommodations the athletes, who are representing all of the nine provinces, got down to business.
Ten of the thirteen sport codes began competition on Monday, they were boxing, cricket, gymnastics, goal ball, football, hockey, golf, netball, table-tennis, tennis and the disability sports.
Sevens rugby together with swimming start on Tuesday whilst athletics will be starting on Wednesday the 26th.
The Games will continue for the remainder of the week, and will conclude with an awards ceremony where the provincial winners will be announced.
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