Hoërskool Dr. E.G. Jansenin Boksburg was packed to capacity on Youth Day as thousands of young Netball players from across the country and as far as Namibia gathered at the school, for the official opening ceremony of the 2019 South African Schools Netball tournament.
The inspiring ceremony served as the final preparation for the young girls from South Africa’s nine provinces ahead of their four-day campaign which kicks off at 8 am on Monday.
The delightful cheering and unity among the girls was inspiring and showed that South African Netball is on the right path as the game’s popularity grows in leaps and bounds.
“It’s about you and we are celebrating the difference you can make in the world.” – Di Woolley, President of SA Schools Netball:
“You have to have the right attitude, you’ve got to be a good example, you’ve got to smile, be positive, be kind and patient. You need to take on the leadership roles that you have been called to.”
Those who were fortunate enough to be in the presence of such a cheerful, vibrant and ambitious group of school children were treated to some good performances such as dancing and music.
Notable delegates that were in attendance such as the president of Netball South Africa, Cecilia Molokwane, and gsport founder, Kass Naidoo were amongst those who shared some words of motivation with the young netballers.
“This is an opportunity for you to showcase your talent.” – Cecilia Molokwane, Netball South Africa President
“The SA U21 coach will be here, because next year we have Africa qualifiers.
“We know that the players that will be playing 2021, are players that are sitting here. This is your opportunity to show us what you have been working for, for you to become an ambassador, and fly the SA flag very high.”
Molokwane urged the young girls to dream beyond the All Ages tournament with aim to form part of the 2023 World Cup squad that will represent South Africa which will be held in Cape Town in four year’s time.
As has been the case for many years, the tournament will once again be hosted at Hoërskool Dr. E.G. Jansen, in Boksburg, Gauteng.
“It’s a great honour to receive the country here, and we appreciate the privilege to be able to host this tournament once again,” – Mr Chris Smith, Hoërskool Dr. E.G. Jansen Deputy Head: Administration, Marketing and Culture.
Meanwhile, Naidoo, who is also a seasoned sports anchor and the first lady of South African cricket broadcasting shared her journey to inspire the girls and remind them that it is possible to achieve their dreams.
Before leading the thousands of girls in an exuberant “#GoGirls” chant, Naidoo said: “You are the strongest supporter you’ll ever have. Nothing and nobody can stand in the way of your journey.”
The SASN will take place from 17 June until 20 June at Hoërskool Dr. E.G. Jansen, Boksburg, and games will start at 8am throughout the tournament.
Follow @gsport4girls across Twitter, Facebook, Instagram and Youtube for the covering of the campaign as it unfolds.
Photo 1 Caption: TheSouth African Schools Netball opening ceremony was a success on Sunday afternoon nine provincial schools gathered for the final preparation of the U/12 to U/18 All Ages tournament, kicking off today. Photo: gsport
Photo 2 Caption: Netball South Africa president Cecelia Molokwane was on hand to encourage the young girls attending the annual tournament’s opening ceremony. Photo: gsport
Photo 3 Caption: Tournament competitors (with Limpopo delegation pictured here) represent South Africa’s nine provinces, and with the special international inclusion of the teams from neighbouring Namibia. Photo: gsport
Photo 4 Caption: The players were encouraged to view the All Ages tournament as their chance to prove their worth to be considered for national representative teams fluing the SA flag internationally in 2021, and at the 2023 Netball World Cup to be held in Cape Town. Photo: gsport
Photo 5 Caption: Each provincial team was afforded a chance to strut their dance moves, and the moments of brief happiness were thoroughly enjoyed ahead of the daunting tournament to follow from Monday. Photo: gsport
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