Learners from across the country unite for South Africa's greatest kick-off

The Transnet Rural and Farm Schools Tournament, now in its twelfth year, will see South Africa’s most skilled sporting stars come together in a three day long event this October. From 6 to 8 October 2014, South Africa’s young athletes will fight it out for the top spot in netball, athletics, football and chess competitions at Germiston Stadium.

This prestigious event will be attended by dignitaries, sport celebrities, leaders in the sports and education industry and Transnet executives at the Germiston Stadium, to support a growing and changing South Africa.

This annual sporting event begins with more than 22 000 learners from across the country, putting their talent and training to the test by competing in inter-house competitions. After months of hard work and many competitions, just 2 000 of these learners will make it to the final Transnet Rural and Farm Schools Tournament.

As you may know, South Africa is rich in sporting talent, but much of it sits undiscovered. Through this Tournament, schools, trainers and scouts are able to identify, cultivate and develop this gift.

Additionally, studies have shown team sports have a positive impact on the development of young people – overall, they do better academically and are more likely to matriculate, gain a tertiary education or learn a trade and find jobs.
In an effort to make this research a living and breathing reality, Transnet started the Transnet Rural and Farm Schools Tournament as a way to find our hidden sporting heroes.

Over the years, this Tournament has grown and become a rewarding opportunity for all those involved. The programme has seen a number of its learners winning sporting scholarships and selected for national sports teams and regional soccer programmes.

To help learners and their caregivers focus on competing, the Transnet Foundation has provided transportation and accommodation for all the participants – 20 schools per province in all seven of our provinces – for the duration of the event.

The festivities will kick off on Monday, 6 October 2014, with the opening ceremony which will feature inspiring speakers and entertainment. During the following two days, there will be tournaments for netball, football, athletics and the recently introduced – for its benefits in cognitive development – chess. These games are played by girls and boys between the ages of 13 and 19, all of them coached by trained staff. Participants can also look forward to a gala dinner on the evening of 6 October 2014 and a prize giving after all the tournaments have been completed.

Transnet Foundation’s Senior Sports Manager, Michael Moloto said: “Each and every year we hold this competition, we see greater and more inspiring results. There’s an amazing, positive spirit amongst learners and coaches, and we can see they’re motivated to win and do well. At Transnet, we are very happy and proud to help South African learners in this incredible journey from grassroots to glory.”

This year's event will begin at 17h00 on Monday, 6 October 2014 with an opening ceremony and the competitors, sports scouts and dignitaries will spend the three days witnessing up-and-coming sports talent in all four disciplines.

Date: 6 – 8 October 2014
Time: 17h00 – 19h30 (Opening ceremony)
Where: Germiston Stadium, Gauteng

For more information on the Rural and Farm Schools Sport Programme, please contact Sibusiso Ngomane on 078 098 9546 or visit www.transnetfoundation.co.za/csi-portfolios/sports.html

For pictures of the Rural and Farm Schools Sport Tournament, please refer to the below link. Alternatively, you can also request a high resolution image.

http://www.fullcirclepublic.co.za/transnet/index.html
Facebook: Transnet Cares
Twitter: @Transnet_Cares
#RFST2014

Issued on behalf of the Transnet Foundation.
For press-related enquiries, please contact Mark Bastiaans or Jeanelle Smuts.

Office: 021 461 2624

Mobile:  082 493 1127 / 082 754 6850