Free State Athletics stronger than ever

SASOLBURG- In its continued commitment to the contribution of the development and growth of our country’s youth, Sasol has sponsored the Free State Primary and Secondary schools athletics championships for the 33rd year. Each year the events’ participation grows in numbers and today, more than 5000 athletes compete in the various stages of elimination.

The Free State Province is proud that this sporting code excelled with regards to participation of all learners over a broad spectrum – taking into consideration the opportunities that come with mass participation, it provides the opportunity of self-development and participation on a level of excellence.
Five districts form part of the Free State Province. The District team then participates in the Free State Championships, where the overall Free State team is selected for participation at national level.
“We are very fortunate to had the sponsorship and support of Sasol over the years. There is no other province in South Africa that has such a fantastic sponsorship relationship,” says Wimpie Lodewyk, Chairperson of the Free State Schools Athletics. Sasol’s General Manager: Corporate Affairs Sasolburg, Dr Ivor Zwane, says that athletics provides suitable opportunities for interaction and social cohesion within our diverse society. Sasol is a firm supporter of healthy living and encourages the youth to participate in sport. “We continue to support this initiative as we are touching the lives of the youth from both privileged and previously disadvantaged backgrounds. It is wonderful to see that the number of athletes that participate grows, each year and each of them continues to strive to be the best that they can be. For us, it is a pleasure to reward champions and future sporting heroes of South Africa,” says Zwane.

Once again both the Primary and Secondary Free State Athletics Championships took place at the DP de Villiers Stadium in Sasolburg this year. The Primary Schools competition took place on Saturday, March 10 and the Secondary Schools competition was held on March 16 and 17. Athletics in the Free State province is clearly very healthy if one looks at all the records that were broken at this year’s tournaments, especially at Secondary Schools level.

Many a record was smashed at this year’s tournaments, some even by the bronze and silver medallists. In the Primary Schools competition a total of 23 records were broken and in the High Schools competition, an astounding 37 records were broken by this year’s participants.