Bambisanani International Athletics Challenge Pilot Programme Begins
The Bambisanani International Athletics Challenge pilot programme is now well underway linking primary schools in the UK and South Africa.
Over 150 children aged 9/10 from Vumanhlamvu School in Nkandla, John Wesley School in Eshowe, St. Mary’s, Horsforth and St. Josephs, Pudsey are currently participating in a range of running, jumping and throwing challenges that will allow them to compete ‘against themselves’, improving personal performance over time, as well as also competing against children in their school and children in all the other schools involved in both countries.
Mr William Vilakazi, Principal of Vumanhlamvu Primary School said: “This is the first time that my learners have participated in athletics which has been made possible by the equipment and programme provided by the Bambisanani Partnership. They are loving these fun challenges and are enjoying setting their own targets as well as competing against others. They are very excited about linking with schools in Leeds and have liked the videos from St. Joseph’s and St. Mary’s. We have already seen great progress in some personal performances which is improving the confidence of learners; who knows we may even discover a champion!”
Many thanks indeed to William, Alan Stuart, Barbara Pounder, David Farmer and Cath Chattoe for driving this exciting development forward. I look forward to being able to bring you the full results and news of a variety of related awards when we complete the programme in June. We have already had enquiries from other schools who are interested in participating in next year’s challenge, not only from South Africa and the UK but also from other countries as well!
