The annual Invitational Kicks kicks off at HeronBridge College

The HeronBridge College campus in Fourways was abuzz with excitement and energy as more than 1 000 skilled sports players from various schools across the country gathered together for the much-awaited HeronBridge Invitational.

This is the third time the college has hosted this prestigious annual event, which is powered by Planet Fitness, according to the school’s Tash Marot.

“The school is born from a passion for sports and sports development, and the HeronBridge Invitational seeks to showcase and celebrate the talents of sportsmen and sportswomen from across South Africa, in a one-of-a-kind winter sports festival.

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“With sports development at its heart, the invitational kicks off every year with a development day that sees children from under-resourced schools participate in coaching clinics with the SA Rugby Legends, Proteas netball players and SA national hockey players.”

This year, the college welcomed 260 Grade 6 and 7 learners from surrounding schools, and some of the college’s prep children, to make the most of an incredible opportunity with some of the country’s best sports players.

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Matches then commenced and offered an amazing opportunity for schools to play against a host of different teams. Marot said up-and-coming schools often find it difficult to gain access to the traditional sports festivals that usually cater for the more established sporting schools in the country.

“The HeronBridge Invitational provides these schools with an opportunity to enjoy a prestigious event that covers all three of the winter sports codes in one experience but also provides opportunities for development schools to participate at no cost. Sport has the power to change lives in South Africa, and we are proud to be able to offer not only a wonderful showcase of the talent that is on offer at SA schools but to do so in a way that maintains its heart-led approach to education.”

In attendance at the development day this year:

SA Rugby Legends

• Dave von Hoesslin
• Henno Mentz
• Mac Masina
• Willie Britz
• Lawrence Sephaka
• Grant Esterhuizen
• Pietie Meyer.

SA hockey players

• Fiona Harrison – Masters Ladies
• Carol du Preez – Masters Ladies
• Tumi Ramphele – SA men
• Le-Neal Jackson – SA men
• Kim Hubach – Masters ladies
• Lindsey Mcguire – Masters ladies.

Proteas netball players

• Erin Burger (former Proteas player)
• Jamie van Wyk (Proteas squad)
• Luca Keun (U21 World Cup squad).

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