The National School Sports Championships (NSSC) Winter Games 2023 commenced with great excitement as young athletes gathered in Benoni to compete in various sporting codes.
Organised by the Department of Sport, Arts, and Culture (DSAC) in collaboration with the Department of Basic Education (DBE) and the Gauteng Department of Sport, Arts, Culture, and Recreation, these championships have become a foundation for nurturing young talent and promoting sports development.
The Winter Games were held at Northerns Rugby Fields in Benoni, Ekurhuleni, from 4-6 July. As the three-day event progressed, the atmosphere brimmed with fierce competition and a palpable sense of sportsmanship.
Bringing together learners from various schools across the country, the SA Schools Sports Championship offered a platform for budding sports stars, both abled and disabled, to showcase their prowess in a competitive environment.
With 3700 learners from across nine provinces, the championship featured sports such as football, netball, rugby, tennis, kho-kho, volleyball, Jukskei, hockey, and even chess. The championships also provided an opportunity for schools to demonstrate their dedication to sports development.
The proceedings kicked off with an opening ceremony on July 4th at the esteemed Northerns Rugby Fields. Anticipation was high as participants and spectators eagerly awaited the official commencement of the championship. Minister of Sport, Arts and Culture, Zizi Kodwa, delivered an opening speech, stating, “This championship signifies a combination of exciting seasons for sports in schools. I know that our athletes have worked extremely hard to prepare to be at this championship.”
Kodwa highlighted the importance of sports participation among students and emphasised that the championship represented the highest level of competition.
As the championship reached its climax, the much-anticipated medal ceremony took place on July 6th from 14:00 to 16:00, also at the Northerns Rugby Fields in Benoni. This pivotal moment provided victorious athletes with the opportunity to bask in the glory of their hard-earned achievements. Emotions ran high as medallists proudly stood on the stage, while celebratory applause filled the air.
Minister Kodwa extended heartfelt congratulations to all participants of the 2023 Winter National Sports School Championships. In his message, the Minister commended the athletes for their remarkable efforts and commitment, stating, “Congratulations to all of our future sports winners who participated in the 2023 Winter National Sports School Championships and brought home the trophy. You have won by being a part of this year’s National Sports School Championship.”
The Closing Ceremony took place later the same day at the Oasis Family Church in Daveyton. As athletes bid farewell to newfound friends and reminisced on the lasting memories forged throughout the championship, this ceremony served as a grand finale, symbolising the culmination of months of dedication, training, and ardent determination.
(0 rating, 0 votes, rated)
Loading...
