IN A BOOST for local sports, five talented netball players and one dedicated coach from the Pixley Ka Seme District were chosen to represent the region during the Provincial Netball Games, that was held on July 13 in Noupoort.
The event marked a milestone for the small rural community of Noupoort, where organised sports are being revitalised through the support of the Noupoort Wind Farm.
The athletes were at the Games thanks to their impressive performances in the District Leagues in De Aar, in the region’s district trials.
The Provincial Netball Games came about in the wake of the launch of the Netball League last month, where representatives of three sporting codes: 8-Ball Pool, Soccer, and Netball, gathered at the S Ntsizakalo Stadium in Noupoort on Monday, June 17. The event aligned with Youth Day Celebrations, emphasising the role of sports in youth development.
Distinguished attendees included the newly-elected MEC for Sport and various provincial leaders from the Netball fraternity.
Funded by the Noupoort Wind Farm, this initiative reflects its long-standing commitment to fostering youth development through sports, but not only locally; it further extends beyond the local level, enabling the players to compete provincially and nationally.
Noupoort Wind Farm Economic Development Manager, Sandisiwe Mntonintshi spoke about the scope of the opportunity being presented through the scheme: “This initiative creates positive awareness amongst the girl child in Noupoort, showcasing that netball can offer real opportunities and inspire future generations.
“The selection of these five athletes serves as a motivational example of what can be achieved through dedication and hard work.,” Mntonintshi stated.
It was also announced that the selected players will also compete in the National Spar Championship taking place between December 1-7 this year.
The netball coach and manager of Olympiakos Sport Club, Jasmin Emlyn, said that their participation in the Regional Leagues had served as a real eye-opener to the level of netball in the region, and their strengths and weaknesses as individual players and as a team.
“The inclusion of five of our players in the Regional teams is a testament that dedication to your craft pays off. We look forward to the games, knowing they will carry the Noupoort flag high and with dignity,” said Emlyn.
Meanwhile, one of the netball players selected, Tamia Smith, said she was honoured to have been selected.
“Being part of the Regional Senior team is already something big for me. I look forward to the games, the challenges, and the learning experience that comes with it," Smith told the DFA.
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