The future of South African rugby was inspired on Thursday, 18 July when Engen in proud partnership with SA Rugby successfully held the Engen Get into Rugby festival at the Mangaung Cricket Oval in Bloemfontein.
The nationwide programme targeted at boys and girls between the ages of 6 – 13 saw a total of 200 kids from ten different schools across Mangaung gathered for a fun-filled morning of touch rugby and interaction with three Springboks players.
Makazole Mapimpi, Kurt-Lee Arendse as well as Thomas Du Toit were the three world-champions that made their way to the Engen Get into Rugby to add to the excitement and to the next generation of Springboks who were all-smiles from seeing and interacting with their heroes.
Speaking from the Mangaung Cricket Oval, Kurt Lee Arendse said it was encouraging to see the excitement of the youngsters.
“Today was such a special day for us as it reminded us of where we used to be at a certain time of our lives. Initiatives such as the Get into Rugby play a huge role in the development of rugby as this affords them an opportunity to be introduced to the sport at a young age”, said Arendse.
“It was also encouraging to see the huge smiles and excitement on their faces and the joy they experience when playing rugby. This is one of the many reasons why rugby is important for the development of children. It brings joy and an opportunity to engage with children from different backgrounds”, concluded Arendse.
The Engen Get into Rugby festivals also offer young, aspirant rugby coaches, both male and female, an opportunity to develop their rugby coaching skills – a key aspect that aligns with Engen Sports’ values of creating a holistic platform for youth sport development.
Speaking on the importance of the programme from a coach’s perspective, Martin Lekhanya said the programme not only offers an opportunity for aspiring rugby players, but young coaches also having the opportunity to harness their skills of working with players and teams from a young age.
“This is one of the most important programmes in the development of rugby in South Africa. Not only does it expose children to rugby, but aspiring coaches are able to learn how to work and coordinate groups, which is key in being a rugby coach” said Lekhanya.
For more information on the Engen Get into rugby programme, visit www.engensports.co.za
Primary Schools in attendance on Thursday, 18 July:
- Joe Solomon Primary School
- Credence Primary School
- Olympia Primary School
- Karabelo Primary School
- Mabolela Primary School
- Rutanang Primary School
- Lesedi Primary School
- St Mary’s Primary School
- Morafe Primary School
- Phahamisang Primary School
