Engen, in proud partnership with SA Rugby, helped inspire the future of South African rugby after successfully holding the Engen Get into Rugby Festival at the Mangaung Cricket Oval in Bloemfontein on Thursday, July 18.
The nationwide programme, targeted at boys and girls between the ages of 6 and 13, saw 200 children from 10 schools across Mangaung gather for a fun-filled morning of touch rugby and interaction with three Springboks players.
World champions Makazole Mapimpi, Kurt-Lee Arendse and Thomas Du Toit’s presence added to the excitement of the next generation of Springboks who were all smiles as they interacted with their heroes.
Speaking at the Mangaung Cricket Oval, Arendse said it was encouraging to see the youngsers’ excitement.
“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 they afford them an opportunity to be introduced to the sport at a young age.
“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,” Arendse said.
The Engen Get into Rugby Festival also offers 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, the Free State Cheetahs rugby union’s Martin Lekhanya said the programme offered an opportunity for aspiring rugby players and afforded young coaches an 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 co-ordinate 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 who attended the festival:
1. Joe Solomon Primary School
2. Credence Primary School
3. Olympia Primary School
4. Karabelo Primary School
5. Mabolela Primary School
6. Rutanang Primary School
7. Lesedi Primary School
8. St Mary’s Primary School
9. Morafe Primary School
10. Phahamisang Primary School
The Star