NEWS

 

 

 

Editor Editor

Bambisanani Partnership International Athletics Challenge unites young people in sport

The 3rd Annual Bambisanani Partnership International Athletics Challenge, supported by the KwaZulu-Natal Department of Sport and Recreation, brought together 15 primary schools: 11 from rural KwaZulu-Natal in South Africa and 4 from the Leeds/Bradford area of Yorkshire in the UK.

The 3rd Annual Bambisanani Partnership International Athletics Challenge, supported by the KwaZulu-Natal Department of Sport and Recreation, brought together 15 primary schools: 11 from rural KwaZulu-Natal in South Africa and 4 from the Leeds/Bradford area of Yorkshire in the UK. 335 students (aged 9 and10) participated in a range six of athletics challenges in their own schools and then compared performances ‘virtually’ to create competition between the schools. 852 children from both countries have now participated in the Challenge since its inception in 2021.

 
 

The South African schools involved were: Vumanhlamvu, Makhanyezi, Mvayiza, Iwangu, Kwa-Mtshwili, Mome, Ntumbeni, Sigananda, Mathiya, Iwangu and Ntolwane. The UK schools involved were all from the Bishop Wheeler Catholic Academy Trust and included St. Joseph’s, Pudsey; St. Mary’s, Horsforth; Holy Name, Cookridge; and Sacred Heart, Ilkley.

The Challenge was originally devised in response to various Covid restrictions by the Bambisanani Founder, David Geldart who explained, “The Bambisanani Partnership is about bringing young people together in sport from both countries in order that they can ‘work together and learn together’. Covid made us think more creatively in order to both sustain and develop our work; the virtual Athletic Challenge programme was a great success which resulted in more schools being involved this year. We have tried to create a simple and fun programme that reflects the very essence of athletics with an approach that brings relevance for everyone involved regardless of ability. We have provided opportunities for youngsters to compete against themselves and against others, in their own school and between schools, in their own country and internationally. A wide range of awards reflect our values with certificates and medals available to learners in all participating schools for excellence, effort, progress and leadership. The Challenge provides multiple opportunities for learners to achieve and succeed; the response from schools, educators and learners has been fantastic. There was a further development this year with a central venue Athletics Festival being held in South Africa for schools from the Nkandla region. This Festival was supported by young Sports Leaders from St. Mary’s School in Leeds and Eshowe High School. Additionally, three new South African schools joined the Challenge this year.”

The programme gives great importance to all participants working hard to improve their own personal performance over time in six different events for both boys and girls: 50m run, 200m run, Standing Long Jump, Three Hop Jump, Tennis Ball Throw and Football Throw. Students were initially taught the basic activity and then established their own ‘personal best’ in each of the events. Over the following weeks and months, the children were given the opportunity to practise, rehearse and experiment in order to improve their performances. A remarkable 76% of all learners involved made significant progress over time in at least three different events and were awarded special certificates to recognise this. All schools held their own competitions, which created 130 new School Champions with the top three performers in each event receiving a certificate. In addition to this, 22 students were identified as being the best all-round performers across all events, 22 students were recognised as making the most improvement over all events and 22 students were celebrated as Exceptional Leaders for their work during the programme ‘helping, supporting and encouraging others’. Three very exciting 10-person x 40metre relay events (Boys, Girls, Mixed) were also added for the International Competition, making it 15 International titles to be decided. Each school submitted their best three performance in each of the 15 events for the international competition between schools. Inclusive of the relay events, 126 International Competition medals (‘Bronze’, ‘Silver’ and ‘Gold’) were presented to the top three performers/teams in each event. There were 42 International Champions.

David Farmer, Deputy Headteacher from St. Joseph’s Pudsey Primary School in Leeds travelled to South Africa with the team of volunteers from St. Mary’s, Menston and supported the Nkandla Athletics Festival said, “The children in both countries enjoyed the idea of an international competition and strived to beat their personal best. In competing against each other they wanted to win, but there was always a sporting camaraderie cheering their classmates to achieve better results. In South Africa the young leaders commented that leading the athletics festival was unbelievably satisfying. They loved seeing the smiles of every child and helping them improve their technique as they grew in confidence. This competition gives a sense of achievement that develops confidence in other academic areas. A true Olympian ethos underpins this work promoting greater understanding of our worldwide community and wanting a fair playing field for all.”

Children from both countries clearly enjoyed the competition:

“I liked competing against learners from the UK and learning about their country”

“I have won an international medal and now want to achieve more in sports and in school.”

“I love running, throwing and jumping and I want to go to South Africa now!”

“This challenge has been so much fun. We worked hard but it was worth it.”

David Geldart concluded, “My sincere thanks to all the schools, educators, volunteers and children involved in this growing event; we have had much to celebrate this year with some interesting new developments. Having student volunteers from Leeds and Eshowe to create an Athletics Festival for the South African primary schools was an outstanding success. Special thanks also the KZN Department of Sport and Recreation for their help and support; we look forward to further partnership work with them in the future. We are already thinking about developing the Challenge further in the Olympic year of 2024; possibly involving even more schools, more countries, more festivals, more volunteering and more related learning activities in the classroom – Faster, Higher, Stronger - Together!”

Results and Award Winners

Bambisanani International Athletics Champions 2022

Girls Events

50 metres 1. Ngcebo Shezi (Vumanhlamvu)
2. Nonjabulo Skhakhane (Vumanhlamvu))
3. Awande Biyela (Sigananda) & Senamile Ngema (Mome)
200 metres 1. Mary Elizabeth Moran (St. Joseph's)
2. Kaitlin Brown (St. Joseph's)
3. Alondwe (Kwa-Mtshwili)
Standing Long Jump 1. Nongcebo Zulu (Iwanga)
2. Awande Sithole (Vumanhlamvu)
3. Nolwazi Biyela (Iwanga)
Three Hop Jump 1. Lucy Mathew (St. Joseph’s)
2. Evelyn Ince (St. Mary’s)
3. Charlotte Caden (St. Mary’s)
Tennis Ball Throw 1. Lwanda Shezi (Mvayiza)
2. Thembelihle Kuyene (Vumanhlavu)
3. Thandeluhle Khumole (Mvayiza)
Football Throw 1. Senamile Ngoma (Mome)
2. Ayandiswa Mthembu (Mome)
3. Noluvu Mthembu (Mome)
400m (10x40m) Relay 1. Holy Name
2. St. Mary’s
3. Sigananda

Boys Events

50 metres 1. Ngcebo Shezi(Vumanhlamvu)
2. Siphesihle Zulu (Vumanhlamvu)
3. Amekelo Maduna (Vumanhlamvu)
200 metres 1. Milo Long (St. Joseph’s)
2. AJ O’Connor (St. Joseph’s)
3. Oscar Enright (St. Mary’s) & Njabulo Kunene (Mome)
Standing Long Jump 1. Aphelele Biyela (Iwangu)
2. Bonga Mkhize (Iwangu)
3. Cebo Thusi (Vumanhlamvu) & Oscar Enright (St. Mary’s)
Three Hop Jump 1. Fabio Zeqiraj (St. Mary’s)
2. Oscar Enright (St. Mary’s)
3. Beau Smith (St. Joseph’s)
Tennis Ball Throw 1. Stan Bates (St. Mary’s)
2. Mhlengi Lindu (Kwa-Mtshwili)
3. Aphiwe Khangile (Mathiya)
Football Throw 1. Sfundo Ntuli (Mome)
2. Njabulu Kunene (Mome)
3. Siphosethu Mhlongu (Mome)
400m (10x40m) Relay 1. St. Mary’s
2. Holy Name
3. St. Joseph’s

Mixed Event

400m (10x40m) Boys and Girls Mixed Relay 1. Mvayiza
2. Holy Name
3. Sigananda

School Champions

Senamile Ngema, Mahaye Kwazi, Lwanda Shezi, Sifundo Ntuli, Ayaandiswa Mlhembu, Senamile Ngema, Siphosetha Mhlungo, Ayandisiswa Mthembu, Amiswa Hadebe, Ngcebo Shezi, Asimonge Shange, Siyemukela Cebekhulu, Awande Sithole, Cebo Thusi, UyaphilaUkristu Zulu, Amkelo Maduna, Nonjabulo Sikhakhane, Lukhona Mpungose, Cebile Khanyile, Sibukosezwe Zulu, Dludla Okuhle, Sbiya Lethokuhle, S’nqobile Biyela, Alwande Qwabe, Bonga Mkhize, Okuhle Dludla, Subusiswe Qwabe, Nkonzenhle Mhlongo,Mary Elizabeth Moran, Milo Long, Harriet Spillane, Ed Third, Lucy Mathews, Beau Smith, Daisy Burton-Nickson, Oliver Maskell, Mia Hefferon, Beau Smith, Lauren Spence, Stan Bates, Emily Stokey, Oscar Enright, Tiffany Yip, Fabio Zeqiraj, Evelyn Ince, Stan Bates, Callum Gaughan, Alexandra Koroma, Joel Odeyo, Rene’e Elliott, Tommy Joy, Mollie Warburton, LilyMae Bootland-Freeth, John James McDonagh, Emelia Holmes, Ethan Cadogen, Lottie Dalton, Finnbar Kennedy, Lorcan Doherty, Emily Oddy, Edward Wade, Lucy Mason, Jack Thompson

Most improved Athletes

Mia Hefferon, Ed Third, Mthembo Noluvu, Ntuli Sifundo, S’nqobile Biyela, Nonjabulo Sikhakhane, Amkelo Maduna, Ayzah Hussain, John James McDonagh, Evie Dyson, Findlay Shaw, Emily Oddy, Elijah Helliwell Del Pino

Best all-round Athletes

Amiswa Hadebe, Amkelo Maduna, Mollie Wharburton, Joel Odeyo, Lauren Spence, Oscar Enright, Okuhle Dludla, Alwande Qwabe, Mary Elizabeth Moran, Milo Long, Ngoma Senamile, Kunene Njabulo, Lucy Mason, Finnbar Kennedy

*Special mention to Joel Odeyo from Holy Name Primary School who finished in the top three all six school-based events: three 1st places, one 2nd place and two 3rd places

Outstanding Leaders

Cyaba Mpendulo, Uyaphila Ukristu Zulu, Siphesihle Zulu, Alexandra Koroma, Joel Odeyo, Mthembi Ayandoliswa, Phoebe Busch, Callum Gaughan, Nolwazi Biyela, Lethokukle Sbiya, Olivia Massie, Rocco Hamill, Emma Dowling Cunningham, Edward McNally

Published: 08/08/2023

Read More
Editor Editor

Bambisanani Partnership International Athletics Challenge 2022 continues to raise the bar

The 2nd Annual Bambisanani Partnership International Athletics Challenge, supported by the KwaZulu-Natal Department of Sport and Recreation, brought together 12 primary schools: 6 from rural KwaZulu-Natal in South Africa and 6 from the Leeds/Bradford area of Yorkshire in the UK.

The 2nd Annual Bambisanani Partnership International Athletics Challenge, supported by the KwaZulu-Natal Department of Sport and Recreation, brought together 12 primary schools: 6 from rural KwaZulu-Natal in South Africa and 6 from the Leeds/Bradford area of Yorkshire in the UK.

394 students (aged 9 and 10) participated in a range of six Athletics Challenges in their own schools and then compared performances ‘virtually’ to create competition between the schools. The involvement of 12 schools this year is a significant increase from the 4 involved in the 2021 pilot programme.

The South African schools involved were:

  • Vumanhlamvu - Nkandla

  • Makhanyezi - Nkandla

  • John Wesley - Eshowe

  • Manyala - Nkandla

  • Iwangu - Nkandla

  • Ntolwane - Nkandla

The UK schools involved included:

  • Sacred Heart - Ilkley

  • St Joseph’s - Tadcaster

  • St. Mary’s - Horsforth

  • Holy Name - Cookridge

  • Hovingham - Harehills

  • St. Joseph’s - Pudsey

The Challenge was devised last year in response to various Covid restrictions by the Bambisanani Founder, David Geldart who explained, “The Bambisanani Partnership is about bringing young people together in sport from both countries in order that they can ‘work together and learn together’. Covid made us think more creatively in order to both sustain and develop our work; the virtual Athletic Challenge programme was a great success last year which resulted in more schools being involved this year. We have tried to create a simple and fun programme that reflects the very essence of athletics with an approach that brings relevance for everyone involved regardless of ability. We have provided opportunities for youngsters to compete against themselves and against others, in their own school and between schools, in their own country and internationally. A wide range awards reflect our values with certificates and medals available to learners in all participating schools for excellence, effort, progress and leadership. The Challenge provides multiple opportunities for learners to achieve and succeed; the response from schools, educators and learners has been fantastic and has further raised the bar this year!”

The programme gave great importance to all participants working hard to improve their own personal performance over time in six different events for both boys and girls: 50m run, 200m run, Standing Long Jump, Three Hop Jump, Tennis Ball Throw and Football Throw. Initially students were taught the basic activity and then established their own ‘personal best’ in each of the events. Over the following weeks and months, the children were given the opportunity to practise, rehearse and experiment in order to improve their performances. A remarkable 72% of all learners involved made significant progress over time in at least three different events and were awarded special certificates to recognise this. All schools had their own competitions which created 130 new School Champions with the top three performers in each event receiving a certificate. In addition to this, 25 students were identified as being the best all-round performers across all events, 29 students were recognised as making the most improvement over all events and 25 students were celebrated as Exceptional Leaders for their work during the programme ‘helping, supporting and encouraging others’. Three very exciting 10-person x 40metre relay events (Boys, Girls, Mixed) were also added for the International Competition, making it 15 International titles to be decided. Each school submitted their best three performance in each of the 15 events for the international competition between schools. Inclusive of the relay events, 126 International Competition medals (‘Bronze’, ‘Silver’ and ‘Gold’) were presented to the top three performers/teams in each event.

Mr Agrippa Nxumalo, Headteacher at Makhanyezi Primary School highlighted the significance of the programme in terms of developing the ‘healthy bodies and healthy minds’ of his learners citing improved fitness levels, academic performance (including June Assessment results) and enhanced communication skills.

Mr William Vilakazi, Principal at Vumanhlamvu said, “This is our second year participating in this great competition. It inspires so many learners in so many ways, not just in sports but also in the classroom. With so many opportunities to achieve it helps many learners with their belief and self-esteem. We are also finding learners with real talent in athletics; who knows where this may lead?”

Bambisanani Trustee and teacher at St. Mary’s, Horsforth, Barbara Pounder added, “Connecting children 6,000 miles from each other through running, jumping and throwing is testament to the power of sport philosophy adopted by the Bambisanani Partnership. Providing children with opportunities to connect globally, have fun, learn new skills and experience new feelings of success is one of the greatest contributions that we can make as educators to enhance the human condition.”

David Geldart concluded, “My sincere thanks to all the schools, educators and children involved in this growing event; we have had much to celebrate. Great credit must go to William Vilakazi and Alan Stuart for coordinating everything in South Africa and to Catherine Chattoe and David Farmer for organising things in Yorkshire. Special thanks also the KZN Department of Sport and Recreation for their help and support; we look forward to further partnership work with them in the future.  We are already thinking about developing the Challenge further for 2023 and indeed for the Olympic year of 2024, possibly involving even more schools and more countries!”

Results and Award Winners

Bambisanani International Athletics Champions 2022

Girls Events

50 metres 1. Ayanda Ngcobo (Vumanhlamvu)
2. Sinokwethemba Cebekhula (Makhanyezi)
3. Uyaphila Zulu (Vumanhlamvu)
200 metres 1. Amiswa Hadebe (Vumanhlamvu)
2. Enhle Hlongwane (Vumanhlamvu)
3. Sinothando Maduna (Vumanhlamvu)
Standing Long Jump 1. Amanda Khuzwayo (John Wesley)
2. Amelia Wood (St. Mary’s)
3. Amelia Cooper (Holy Name)
Three Hop Jump 1. Eve Best (St. Mary’s)
2. Julia Ciula (Holy Name)
3. Alana Lawton (Holy Name) & Allegra Sandova (St. Mary’s)
Tennis Ball Throw 1. Mnyanda Yandiswa (Vumanhlamvu)
2. Smimanyo Lethiwe (Vumanhlavu))
3. Emily Hall (Sacred Heart)
Football Throw 1. Emily Florence (Sacred Heart)
2. Olivia Middleton (St. Mary’s)
3. Martha Jones (Sacred Heart)
400m (10x40m) Relay 1. St Joseph’s, Tadcaster
2. John Wesley, Eshowe
3. St. Mary’s, Horsforth

Boys Events

50 metres 1. Bandile Biyela (Vumanhlamvu)
2. Mhlongo Ayakhula (Makhanyezi))
3. Mhlongo Ayakhula (Vumanhlamvu)
200 metres 1. Sikhanyiselwe Qwabe (Vumanhlamvu)
2. Mhlongo Ayakhulu (Makhanyezi)
3. Amukela Maduna (Vumanhlamvu)
Standing Long Jump 1. Aphelel Sigwaza (John Wesley)
2. Melikhayo Mthiyane (John Wesley)
3. Jack Jones (St. Joseph’s, Tadcaster)
Three Hop Jump 1. Jack Kilvington (Holy Name)
2. Malachy Appleyard (Holy Name) & William Ward (St. Mary’s)
Tennis Ball Throw 1. Sipho Ngcobo (John Wesley)
2. Siqalo Thembe (John Wesley)
3. Charlie Moss (St. Josephs, Pudsey)
Football Throw 1. James Armitage (Sacred Heart)
2. Jacob Walker (Holy Name)
3. Malachy Appleyard (Holy Name)
400m (10x40m) Relay 1. St. Josephs, Tadcaster
2. John Wesley, Eshowe
3. St. Mary’s, Horsforth

Mixed Event

400m (10x40m) Boys and Girls Mixed Relay 1. St Josephs, Tadcaster
2. John Wesley, Eshowe
3. St. Mary’s, Horsforth

School Champions

Wanele Myende, Blessing Jeremani, Lwazi Mbuli, Kuhlekonke, Amanda Khuzwayo, Melikhaya Mthiyane, Aphelele Sigwaza,  Asiphe Mthethwa, Sipho Ngcobo, Nolwwazi Mbuli, Siqalo Tembe, Ayanda Ngcobo, Bandile Biyela, Amiswa Hadebe, Sikhanyislwe Qwabe, Nonjabulo Sikhakhane, Aphiwe Khanyile, Mawande Biyela, Siphiwokuhle Bhengu, Yandiswa Mnyandu, Ayabonga Shandu, Aphelele Majozi, Talia Knox-Walker, Willow Noble, Fletcher Mathews, Jack Jones, Kellend Lawford, Leah Fleming, Frances Reidenbaugh, Emily Hall, Emily Florence, Joe Mutton, Ollie Davidson, Florence Hands, Evie Bent, Amelia Dodd, Olivia Middleton, William Ward, Amos Foster, James Conley, Kyla Jacobs-Legister, Faizan Qaisar, Maria Avadani, David Gandal, Orlagh Dean, Zander Norton, Sophia Duffield, Oliver Gill, Amelia Cooper, Ruben Norton, Julia Ciula, Jack Kilvinton, Chase Wilson, Jacob Walker, Emily Turbull, Tom Hurley, Steph Holden, Tom Hurley, Alys Keighley, Shay Godfrey, Charlie Moss, Eliza Horsman, Shay Godfrey, Lwande Mpungose,  Nkanyezi Gina, Hlelonkosi Gina, Aphelele Majolica, Smelo Ndlazi, Malwande Mnomiya, Sphephile Khumalo, Ayabonga Ntuli, Ayabonga Mkhize, Nontelthelelo Mthabela, Nsika Majola, Aphele Biyela, Nqubeko Mathenjwa, Abahlenge Biyela, Mthobisi Biyela, Nolwazi Biyela, Ayabonga Biyela, Sbiya Lethokuhle, Dludla Okuhle, Ntombela Siyamthanda, Snqobile Biyela, Mkhize Bonga, Aphelele Biyela, Msawande Biyela

Most improved Athletes

Minenhle Kunene, Sihawukelo Sibiya , Sihanukele Ntomela, Alwande Zulu, Asiphe Mthethwa, Blessing Jeremani, Florence Hands, Amos Foster, Sophie Utley, Jacob Hinchliffe, Emily Florence, Hughie Quinn, Francesca Parlour, Riley Clinnon, Elena Decaro, Finley Appleyard, Connie Scofield, Coby Walton Adams, Thobeka Biyela, Landile Gasa, Isiphile Shandu, Sqalo Ntombela, Nkanyezi Gina, Skhakhane Mnqobi, Sibya Lethokuhle , Nhlalenhle Nzuza, Sanele Mthembu, Dludla Okuhle, Nolwazi Biyela

Best all-round Athletes:

Uyaphila Zulu, Sikanyiselwe Qwabe, Wanele Myende, Siqaio Tembe, Cebekhulu Sinokwethemba, Ayakhula Mhlongo, Evie Bent, James Conley, William Ward, Talia Knox-Walker, Jack Jones, Frances Reidenbaugh, Joe Mutton, Amelia Cooper, Zander Norton, Eliza Horsman, Tom Hurley, Alys Keighley, Charlie Hart, Thobeka Biyela, Mathobisi Biyela, Sqalo Ntombela, Abahlenge Biyela, Aphelele Biyela, Nqubeko Mathenjwa

Outstanding Leaders

Amiswa Hadebe, Sikhanyiselwe Qwabe, Nolwazi Mbuli, Kwandile Gazu, Thembeka Dlamini, Manqoba Majuzi, Ava Quinn, Liam McDermott, Esmee Vince-Morgan, Nathan Munday, Eva Joyce, James Armitage, Ellie Jade, Jack Kilvington, Hannah Whiting, Luke Jackson, Iona Rogers, Charlie Hart, Sindiswa Biyela, Lwandile Gasa, Lungelo Ntombela, Khuzwayo Melokuhle, Siyamthanda Ntombelo, Bonga Mkhize, Ayabonga Biyela,  

Read More
Editor Editor

Bambisanani Partnership International Athletics Challenge 2021 is a great success

Over the last year, despite all the Covid chaos and disruption, 138 nine and ten year olds from South Africa and the UK have joined together in a unique athletics challenge. Albeit virtually, the Bambisanani Partnership International Athletics Challenge has brought together four schools from the two countries to learn together in a range of fun athletic activities.

Over the last year, despite all the Covid chaos and disruption, 138 nine and ten year olds from South Africa and the UK have joined together in a unique athletics challenge. Albeit virtually, the Bambisanani Partnership International Athletics Challenge has brought together four schools from the two countries to learn together in a range of fun athletic activities.

South African students from Vumanhlamvu Primary School in Nkandla and John Wesley Primary School in Eshowe have connected with St. Mary’s Primary School, Horsforth and St. Joseph’s Primary, Pudsey in a range of running, jumping and throwing challenges that allowed students to learn about athletics with opportunities  to compete ‘against themselves’, improving personal performance over time, as well as also competing against children in their school and significantly with children in all the other schools involved in both countries by comparing performances.

The programme gave great importance to all participants working hard to improve their own personal performance over time in six different events for both boys and girls: 50m run, 200m run, Standing Long Jump, Three Hop Jump, Tennis Ball Throw and Football Throw. Initially students were taught the basic activity and then established their own ‘personal best’ in each of the activities. Over the following weeks and months, the children were given the opportunity to practise, rehearse and experiment in order to improve their performances. A remarkable 76 students made significant progress over time in at least three different events and were awarded special certificates to recognise this. All four schools had their own competitions in the events which created 12 Champions in each school. The top three performers in each event received a certificate. Three very exciting 10-person x 40m relay events (Boys, Girls, Mixed) were also added for the International Competition. Each school submitted their best three performance in each of the 15 events for the international competition between schools. 126 International Competition medals (‘Bronze’, ‘Silver’ and ‘Gold’) were presented to the top three performers/teams in each event.

Full international Results (PDF)

In addition to this, Bambisanani Partnership International Athletics Challenge certificates were also presented in each school in the following categories:

Most improved students:

  • St. Joseph’s, Pudsey: Tia Nero, Ella Perryman, Harry Hart, Maximilian Korosteliov

  • St. Mary’s, Horsforth: Siofra Whitehurst, Enzo Moore

  • Vumanhlamvu Primary School: Xoliswa Mpungose, Mlungisi Mhlongo

  • John Wesley Primary School: Ndalo Mchunu, Zowakha Zondi

Best Individual Performances:

  • St. Joseph’s, Pudsey: Lily Higgins, Hannah Jagiello, Oliver Brown

  • St. Mary’s, Horsforth: Aisling Harrison, Enzo Given

  • Vumanhlamvu Primary School: Sinovuyo Ntombela, Simphiwe Mthimkhulu

  • John Wesley Primary School: Lwandile Shange, Sambulu Mbuyazi 

Leadership Awards (for helping and encouraging other students during the course of the Challenge):

  • St. Joseph’s, Pudsey: Tia Nero, Ella Perryman, Harry Hart, Maximilian Korosteliov

  • St. Mary’s, Horsforth: Lily Decker, Oliver O’Reilly

  • Vumanhlamvu Primary School: Alwande Tetwayo, Zemvelo Bukhosini

  • John Wesley Primary School: Mpilenhle Xulu, Siqalo Tembe

Special Trophies

Special trophies were also awarded to the outstanding boy and girl performers across all international events. The top girl athlete who won 5 gold medals was Lwandile Shange, from John Wesley Primary School. The top boy athlete winning 4 gold medals and 1 silver was Sambulo Mbuyazi, also from John Wesley.

““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. The learners have loved these fun challenges, setting their own targets as well as competing against others. They were very excited about linking with schools in Leeds and have liked the videos from St. Joseph’s and St. Mary’s. We have seen great progress in some personal performances which is improving the confidence of learners. We do not have a sports field and my learners do not have running shoes but we did our best. For us to win 35 International medals including 2 Gold and 2 Silver is just amazing and shows what can be done with the right opportunities. We are already looking forward to the Challenge in 2022. Who knows we may even discover a world champion one day!””
— Mr William Vilakazi, Principal of Vumanhlamvu Primary School

Students from all four schools clearly loved the Challenge:

““I liked the Bambisanani Challenge because one day I would like to see myself going overseas because of sport. I enjoy sport so much; I am a sport person. Sport is my life. The Bambisanani Challenge challenged me not to relax, but to do my best in everything. It also improved or put my sport career on another level. I am proud to participate in the Bambisanani Challenge.” ”
— Sambulo Mbuyaz
““The Bambisanani Challenge was fun. We learnt a lot of things in sports. We first did 50 metre running, second, we did 200 metre running. I enjoyed all the activities, mostly I enjoyed running. I would like to thank all the people that were involved with organising this challenge for us. Thank you so much.””
— Lwandile Shange
““I love sport; it is my favourite thing in the whole world and a challenge with South African students made it really interesting.””
— Scarlett Kerr
““It was really interesting because we were against an entirely different continent! It was extremely fun to do all the competitions against them and I hope we do it again.””
— Dominic Bower

Parents and grandparents have also praised the initiative:

““My granddaughter came home today, thrilled to bits about what she had achieved in the Bambisanani International Athletics Challenge: 6 individual awards and best overall girl athlete award. Lily is aware of the connection that her mum and auntie have had with the Bambisanani Partnership and the thought that she has taken part in a project connected with them made it all the more special. Lily loves her athletics and cannot wait to come to St. Mary’s, Menston and have the opportunity to play a bigger part in the Bambisanani Partnership. Lily attends athletic training at Skyrac AC, where I coach and are currently Chair and when her auntie went to South Africa the club supplied t-shirts for the budding athletes. This is something we have done since and we will continue to support the partnership in any way we can. Encouraging youngsters to participate in athletics and have fun is fundamental to the sport, whether it be here in Yorkshire or in South Africa.””
— Maria Harrison

The idea for International Athletics Challenge came from Bambisanani founder and Charity Chair, David Geldart who was keen to praise all involved: “Massive credit must go to all the schools, staff and children involved in this inaugural event. It has been a tremendous success on so many levels and special thanks are due to the team that pulled it all together in the most difficult and challenging of times: Catherine Chattoe, William Vilakazi, David Farmer, Alan Stuart and Duncan Baines. Important connections between schools have been made and relationships are developing. The feedback from students, teachers, parents and grandparents has been excellent and we are already looking to 2022 to make this an annual event hopefully involving more schools and possibly even some additional countries. We again intend to raise the funding required for schools that are poorly resourced and do not have the equipment for the challenge.”

Read More
Editor Editor

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!

Read More