GRAAFF-REINET RUGBY NEWS - Rugby enthusiasts from across Graaff-Reinet and South Africa will enjoy and participate in the Elton Jantjies Easter Sports Festival 2020, to be held at Botanical Sports Club in Graaff-Reinet on 11 April.
The Lion fly-half, Jantjies, is the main sponsor of the event, which will showcase the rugby skills of teams from as far as Cape Town, Johannesburg, George and King William's Town.
Teams will also travel to Graaff-Reinet from Port Elizabeth, Kimberley, Komani, Cradock, Somerset East, Middelburg, Adelaide, Makhanda and East London.
However, it's local lads Central Veterans Rugby Club that the town will root for. Central is also one of the main organisers of the event, and are in dire need of sponsorship to make the festival a reality.
"We are unable to fulfil our commitments and depend on companies to help us with sponsorship," said Roland Ludick, the club's spokesperson.
For some teams, like Central, more than 70% of the players are from poor backgrounds. Some are unemployed and not able to contribute to purchasing sport kits, to pay for transport during the league or to pay medical expenses.
In return for sponsorship, Central will add the company's name and logo to their programmes and posters at the Easter Sports Festival, as well as at all home fixtures in the 2020-season. Other benefits for sponsors include the company's name on the front of players' t-shirts, and other promotional material from the sponsor exhibited on the main field during the Easter Festival.
"Money invested in the club and generated at the tournament help us with our development programme and social responsibility towards the community," Ludick added.
The event will kick-off with either a big brag or dinner on Friday 10 April and end with an award ceremony Saturday evening, 11 April.
Four primary schools, Narsing Street, Ryneveldt, Graaff-Reinet Primary and Kroonvale, will also participate and undergo a coaching clinic. The day's sport will start at 8am.
A variety of stalls, a cash bar, playground for children and braai stands will be available.
Locals who want to make contributions or who have inquiries can phone Ludick on 072 559 4273.
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