Youngsters raced their soap boxes around the track with great energy and excitement at a thrilling Soap Box Derby.
De La Salle Holy Cross Junior School hosted their annual event on their school field recently. The grades each represented an Olympic sport, such as weightlifting, swimming, boxing and cycling, and were divided into three houses: Francis, Charles and Benildas.
Each house had one sturdy soap box that was strong enough to take the children around the track at high speeds while pupils cheered on joyfully from the safety of the sidelines. Many different races were held, and all enjoyed a day of fun.
Da La Salle Holy Cross deputy principal, Martin Nolte, said that the derby is in its fifth year running and is also an opportunity to raise funds for a good cause.
“This is a great way to get the community together where outside vendors and organisers also contribute on the day. There were fun activities at the derby such as sports, leisure, skydivers, food stalls and a raffle where the winners won a two-night stay at a game lodge. There were also inflatables for children to keep them entertained,” said Nolte.
He added that this year, 10 percent of the proceeds will be donated to their sister school, Holy Cross RC Primary School in Cape Town. The school has 500 pupils from disadvantaged backgrounds who will benefit from the donation
Nolte also acknowledged the role that was played by the school’s sub-committee which consists of teachers and parents. The committee helped with the food stalls and the admin and logistics.
De La Salle Holy Cross Junior School headmistress, Mary Hyam, said that pupils made their own costumes and practised during their PT lesson once a week before the derby.
“We have an incredibly supportive parent body and the derby has grown tremendously throughout the years. It is the main social event of the year,” concluded Hyam.
Final results:
- First place: Francis
- Second place: Benildas
- Third Place: Charles.
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