The metro hosted a special send-off function on Tuesday for participants from NPO Altus Sport who have been selected to take part in the 2024 Paris Olympic Legacy Programme.
The Legacy Programme known as Festival 24 will coincide with the Olympic Games being held from July 26 to August 11.
Tshwane Mayor Cilliers Brink welcomed the guests at the function, emphasising the importance of this milestone event.
The mayor expressed his pride in the young athletes’ achievements and wished them well on their journey to France.
He said as these young leaders prepare to embark on this incredible journey, the entire metro stands behind them, celebrating their hard work, dedication, and the positive values they embody.
“Tshwane extends its best wishes to the participants and Altus Sport, confident that they will not only represent Tshwane with pride but also return with invaluable experiences that will further enrich their communities,” said Brink.
Altus Sport was founded in 1994 and has been a beacon of hope and development in historically disadvantaged township communities.
Through the efforts of 36 trained youth sports leaders, the organisation has provided a safe and nurturing environment for young people. It focuses on positive values, leadership, girl empowerment, educational skills, basic coaching, and sports skills.
The organisation’s commitment to youth development is further underscored by its participation in the Festival 24 programme.
The programme gathers over 380 young people from underprivileged communities across 35 countries.
It offers participants the opportunity to engage in a variety of Olympic and Paralympic sports, and educational and cultural activities, promoting social inclusion, gender equality, and positive values.
Back: Gomolemo Mathebula, Mpho Moretsele, Tshegofatso Nkoana, Sisipho Nkosi
The following eight participants from Mamelodi, Centurion, Eersterust, Saulsville, Ekangala, and Thaba Tshwane have been selected to represent Tshwane at Festival 24:
– Zi Teffo
– Sandy Mahlangu
– Gomolemo Mathebula
– Tshegofatso Nkoana
– Mpho Moretsele
– Tshwarelo Mokgwawabona
– Gift Mahlangu
– Sisipho Nkosi.
Programme manager Samantha Pennells-Ingle said only children who have been part of the organisation for four years are going to France.
Altus Sport youth leader Sandy Mahlangu said going to France will be a huge motivation for young athletes and those who still want to make it to a bigger stage.
“This is a very exciting feeling for me and the team and we hope to make South Africa proud,” said Mahlangu.
Participant Sisipho Nkosi said she is blessed to represent Altus Sport at an international level.
“I am planning to give my best throughout this visit to France.
“I will network with other sportsmen and learn more about Olympic sports as I will be an ambassador of Altus Sport,” said Nkosi.
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