Hurtling towards victory

ROOSEVELT PARK – Young athletes showcased all their talents at the annual interschool athletics event.

Roosevelt High School hosted the event where seven schools came out to make their school proud. Jim Fouche Primary School, Christiaan de Wet Primary School, Claremont Primary School, Piet Van Vuuren Laërskool, Melpark Primary School, Esperanza Primary School and Buccleuch Primary School athletes are all set to become champions.

The principal of Melpark Primary School, Nalini Padayachee said that interschool events laid the groundwork for more sporting events to come. “Here we get to choose the athletes who will go on to take part in the intercluster athletics meeting.” Thereafter, she explained, they will represent the district and from there head to provincial sporting events.

The day transpired about three years ago when one of the schools approached Roosevelt High School, to host their athletics day there. Deputy principal of the school, Henk Fererria said the school was more than willing to host the various primary schools as some of them did not have the facilities. “It is also expensive to get the equipment so this was our way to give back to the community.”

Athletes took part in either high jump, long jump, sprint, shot put, long distance or hurdles. Each athlete had within them the fervour to succeed, which fuelled their fellow schoolmates to cheer them on.

Padayachee explained that the benefits of sports for children are really amazing. “It cannot be contested that sport for children is good; it helps develop social skills and it exposes the talent of the pupil.”

Share your photos and videos with us on our timeline Northcliff Melville Times.