ZASTRON HOSTS NELSON MANDELA PROVINCIAL CHALLENGE

Photo: Nelson Mandela provincial challenge at Zastron Stadium

By: Staff Reporter

In honour of the liberation stalwart and the first president of the democratic state of South Africa the late former President Nelson Mandela, International Mandela Month is observed annually during the month of July.

The Department of Sport, Arts, Culture and Recreation will in partnership with Mohokare Local Municipality hosted a two day sport tournament on (Fri 09- Sat 10) at Zastron, Matlakeng Stadium, in honour of the late former president.

Mohokare Municipality is under the sterling leadership of Mayor Zingisa Mgawuli, who was present at the two day sports event to encourage athletes and welcome the visitors.

Sport at grass roots level is the foundation of a healthy and competitive sporting nation.

The department noted that structured sporting events such as the Nelson Mandela Provincial Tournament are beneficial for young people as they build discipline and character.

Sport keeps young people occupied and deters them from engaging in promiscuous activities such as alcohol and drug abuse.

About 440 participants from all the districts of the province took part in various sporting codes such as netball, football, and athletics.

The provincial tournament is preceded by district eliminations that were staged in the districts.

The top teams on the log per district proceeded to represent their district at the Provincial Tournament in Zastron.

The department will also be commemorating women’s month by staging a women’s boxing challenge.

The main bout will be featuring 8 women representing provinces such as Gauteng, Limpopo, Western Cape and Eastern Cape. The supporting bout will feature women from provincial districts such Lejweleputswa, Mangaung Metro and Thabo Mofutsanyana.

The Nelson Mandela Provincial Tournament will thus be staged in a quest to continue with the preservation of the legacy of this struggle icon.

The event saw teams and individuals being crowned in what was a remarkable two days of sports.