The Ekurhuleni Department of Sport, Recreation, Arts and Culture, in partnership with Central Gauteng Athletics (CGA), hosted their inaugural athletics trials on February 28, at the Germiston Stadium.
Boys and girls from all around Ekurhuleni showcased their athletics skills with hopes to stand a chance to be part of the Gauteng Sport Academy.
The trials were aimed at identifying and nurturing talent in order to contribute to the development of athletics in the country.
“The search for talent in Ekurhuleni has been motivated by the need to contribute to national teams and improve the performances of team South Africa at international level,” said CGA’s Mbalenhle Ngema.
“The municipality has endorsed the idea of establishing an athletics sports academy, which will give support to all identified talented athletes from Ekurhuleni.”
The trials targeted boys and girls between the ages of 14 and 16.
During the trials, the young athletes were tested in various track and field events such as, among others, 100m and 200m sprints, discus, 300m hurdles, javelin, shot put and the 1500m steeplechase.
“For the metro, accelerating sport development is non-negotiable.
“We believe that identifying and nurturing talent will not only contribute towards the development of athletics in our country, but will also produce the biggest names in the international space,” said the metro’s spokesman, Themba Gadebe.
