A total of 182 young athletes from various primary schools attended the Get Into Rugby programme held at the Kimberley Rugby Club on 16 August.
Schools across the region attended the festival including Olympic Primary School, Mankurwane Primary School, St Peters Primary School, Molehabangwe Primary School, Reneilwe Primary School, Tshiamo Primary School, Flamingo Primary School, Roodepan Primary School, Lucretia Primary School, Herlear Primary School, Du Toitspan Primary School, Westend Primary School, and Vaalrivier Primary School.
Praised for being instrumental in promoting rugby in disadvantage areas, coach Kagisho Lenoge explained that the outreach is a fantastic way for learners to keep fit while also having fun. The festival is also part of the Get into Rugby programme sponsored by Engen.
Echoing Lenoge’s sentiments coach Enrico Lass, said, “Get into Rugby is a positive programme and all the schools currently participating in this program benefit from it. One school, West end primary even started having an U-9 rugby team through the introduction of the initiative to the school for the first time in 2024. So the programme is bringing a positive change.”
Coach Morongwe Mafa highlighted the program’s role in broadening the sport’s reach stating that it assists with helping aspiring rugby players from the disadvantaged areas to learn more about the sport.
The event is said to have highlighted the broader impact of grassroots sports programs and making a significant contribution to the development of future sports stars and promoting physical activities.
According to coach Charlton Badenhorst the importance of the programme is that it gives more light to young players on what rugby is all about.
Adding to the conversation was coach Aneka Fick stating, “The programme is changing a lot of children’s lives.”
The success of this year’s programme promises a bright future for the programme, with continued growth and positive influence on young athletes in the region.
