The Western Cape Education Department has announced that the province’s best primary school athletes have won the inter-provincial SASA Primary School Athletics Championships for the second year in a row.

The Championships were held in Germiston in Gauteng last week, from 20 to 22 March, and, according to the department, the province’s primary school athletes excelled in all of their events.

Western Cape learners received a total of 88 medals: 41 gold, 24 silver, and 23 bronze. Gauteng learners came in second place and received 78 medals, and the North West in third place receiving 28 medals.

“This is an absolutely outstanding achievement, reflecting the commitment of our schools and the Western Cape Education Department (WCED) to supporting school sports.” added Education MEC David Maynier

The department added that this is the second year in which the WCED has sponsored the costs of the provincial team so that any talented WC school athlete would be able to attend and compete without struggling to fund their participation.

“We thank all of the school and department staff members, coaches and parents who have supported our learners, so that they could achieve their goals and shine on the national stage.”

Meanwhile, the Western Cape Minister of Cultural Affairs and Sport, Ricardo Mackenzie, has also congratulated the team, saying.

“We are so proud of these outstanding young athletes, who have showed dedication and commitment to developing their sporting skills. With such talented stars in primary school, the future is bright for Western Cape sport!”  added Mackenzie

MEC Maynier added that he will be working with Minister Mackenzie to improve access to school sports in the province as a joint priority between the two departments.

“- we look forward to many more outstanding sporting achievements in the years to come!”

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