Youngsters celebrate sport

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GRAAFF-REINET NEWS - Graaff-Reinet was abuzz with sports teams from across South Africa over the weekend, as 21 schools gathered to participate in Union High School's 20th annual Anne Beagley Junior Rugby and Hockey Festival.

The sporting spectacular was sponsored by Caltex and College Motors in Graaff-Reinet.

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"It is always a privilege to be able to host an event of this nature and to extend a warm welcome to all guest schools, parents and supporters," said William Pringle, Union High School's headmaster, during a welcoming function on Friday evening.

"All the coaches and managers in attendance need to be complimented on their willingness to give up free time to extend the educational horisons for those in their care," Pringle added.

The festival was officially opened on Saturday morning, with a moving ceremony in which all participating teams from the visiting schools marched across the Puttick field, proudly displaying their school banners.

In the days following the opening, rugby and hockey of the highest standard were played, with every inch of Union High School's sports fields occupied.

Laer Volkskool's Anrich Niewoudt and his teammates battle it out against Grey Junior School.

The teams included Grey Junior School, Collegiate Junior School for Girls, Graeme College, Laer Volkskool, Lilyfontein Primary, Lorraine Primary, Hudson Park Primary, Stirling Primary and Queen's College, to name but a few.

All participating teams played with spirit and enthusiasm, with nobody giving an inch in trying to come out as victors.

"The objective of the festival is for young sportsmen and women to play competitive matches while forging friendships and developing character," Pringle explained. "True sportsmanship was certainly the winner of this festival."

Floris Steenkamp, organising convener of the festival said, "We appreciate every team that participated, all the officials and the many spectators who supported the festival.

"There were some very close matches, as well as wins by bigger margins, but it was pleasing to see how teams on the losing side never threw in the towel."

Union lads support the girls' hockey team. From left is Asemahle Sakati, Jayden Swart and Na'eem Mahomed.