Bambisanani Awards are a cause for great excitement at South African primary school
The annual presentation of the Bambisanani Partnership Awards sponsored by the John Paul II Foundation for Sport is always cause for real excitement at Ntolwane Primary School set high in the hills of rural KwaZulu-Natal in South Africa.
From left to right: Sabelo Nzama, Sfundo Myeza, Alwande Nala
This year was certainly no exception when the three winners were announced at a special ceremony:
Sportswoman of the Year: Alwande Nala
Sportsman of the Year: Sabelo Nzama
Sports Leader of the Year: Sfundo Myeza
Sportswoman of the Year: Alwande Nala
"I would like to thank teachers and learners who have nominated me as Sportswoman of the Year. I didn't believe it but I feel so happy. I love sports and this has motivated me even more."
Sports Leader of the Year: Sfundo Myeza
"I am very much excited to be chosen as Sport Leader of the Year. This makes me feel more love for sports and it also encourages me to be more involved in sports. I see it like climbing a ladder that takes me towards good things and away from wrong things."
Sportsman of the Year: Sabelo Nzama
"I feel much happiness and confidence to become Sportsman of the Year. At first I was not taking sports seriously but now I am much encouraged to be more involved in sports; I really enjoy biking."
Mr MM Xulu, Sports Coordinator and Bambisanani Coordinator at Ntolwane commented:
"As Ntolwane Primary we wish to thank the Bambisanani Partnership and the John Paul II Foundation for motivating and encouraging learners to be much more involved in sports. This is so important for their holistic development as young people and we really appreciate it.”
David Geldart, from the partnership first visited Ntolwane School 16 years ago and was full of praise for the school, its students and its teachers: “Ntolwane School really understands the power of sport and its positive educational impact on its young people. The teachers provide great opportunities and it is a real honour to be able to present these special awards each year. The annual Sports, Reading and Numeracy Festivals held at the school, organised jointly by students from St. Mary’s High School (Menston, UK) and Mnyakanya High School, Nkandla, are always a fantastic highlight in the Bambisanani calendar. Massive congratulations to Alwande, Sabelo and Sifundo on winning these prestigious awards in a school that has so much sporting talent. We wish them well for the future and will be watching their progress both on the sports field and in the classroom with great interest. Special thanks must also go to Father Vlad and the John Paul II Foundation for Sport for sponsoring these awards each year.”
