South African women athletes are rewriting history, claiming victory and smashing barriers in sports.
Western Cape, South Africa (10 August 2023) – It’s a time of exhilaration and triumph for women’s sports in the rainbow nation! The global stage witnessed our national netball team’s remarkable journey to secure a remarkable 6th place in the Netball World Cup. And let’s not forget the incredible feat achieved by our women’s soccer team, gracefully reaching the quarterfinals – a milestone their Bafana Bafana male counterparts have never attained.
The icing on the cake? All of this is unfolding during Woman’s Month! A testament to the astounding strides being taken for gender equality and fair play within South African sports.
While women’s soccer has been garnering attention in recent years, netball, an often-overlooked gem, has soared to new heights. In the shadow of apartheid’s painful legacy, the sport’s international prospects were regrettably sidelined. However, the recent past has been a tale of transformation. From grassroots initiatives to inclusive tournaments, training academies, and development programs that now dot the nation, netball’s resurgence is nothing short of inspiring.
Enter the heartwarming tale of a non-profit dynamo named Be the Difference (“BTD”). This registered NPO, hailing from Kraaifontein, is on a fervent mission to sculpt positive youth development through the triumvirate of Sport, Education, and Nutrition.
Back in 2014, the inception of BTD marked a turning point. Their sports development scheme, illuminated by the transformative magic of sports, champions fitness and a healthful lifestyle. Initially, the spotlight shone brightly on nurturing budding rugby stars. But, 2023 introduced a groundbreaking chapter as BTD spread its wings to include a netball training initiative. Now, the young female learners can embrace new skills, relish in the spirit of camaraderie, and earn their well-deserved spotlights in mainstream sporting circles and training hubs.
With a heart full of hope and a vision untamed, Granthem Abrahams, the founder and CEO of BTD, underscores, “Sport possesses the power to revolutionize lives. We’re cultivating a nurturing ground for sporting talent and community leaders. This is a beacon for gifted players who might have gone unnoticed. Our young talents emerge from neighbourhoods grappling with drugs, gang affiliations, and strife. Through BTD, we extend an alternate way of life, a chance for a brighter tomorrow.”
Grantherm beams, “Essential it is that our youths bask in the limelight of level competition – pitting their skills against prominent schools on fairgrounds. A golden chance awaits them at the horizon: the imminent MS7s School Sports Festival. It’s a vision from the heart of my friend and the maestro behind the Blitzboks, Marius Schoeman.”
In its 6th glorious year, the festival stands unparalleled in scale. Forged by the creative spirit of Marius Schoeman and hosted at his alma mater, Paarl Gymnasium, this extravaganza began as a 7s rugby tournament and has since blossomed into a vibrant stage embracing Fast 5 netball and hockey. And a historic breakthrough: this edition will proudly greet four girls’ rugby teams, embodying an unwavering devotion to inclusivity and gender neutrality.
As Marius Schoeman passionately affirms, “The festival thrives on the belief that sport is a bridge builder, a unifier of souls. We’re dismantling barriers, crafting a level terrain for youngsters across South Africa’s tapestry. They unite, driven by shared dreams and passions – to compete, to learn, to form friendships. This is where lasting memories unfurl. Our ambition? For sport to weave transformation in South Africa.”
Marius continues, “This grand stage beckons aspiring talents from less privileged backgrounds. Here, they shine bright and test their mettle against the stars of established sporting institutions. It’s a door swung open to seize priceless experience. Plus, the scouts from top-notch sports arenas get a front-row view, sowing seeds of opportunities, igniting paths to formal training, scholarships, and prestigious school affiliations.”
“We’re jubilant to welcome Granthem’s elite rugby and netball squads. BTD’s rugby protégés have dazzled us before, showcasing prowess and character. Many soared to secure scholarships from prestigious institutions, some like Cheslyn Kolbe, graced the fields for both the Blitzbokke and the Springboks. This year, BTD’s netball aces step into the arena, and their brilliance shall undoubtedly illuminate the stage,” Marius concludes, brimming with anticipation and optimism.
In a realm where sports transcend boundaries, where dreams crystallize, and where a passion ignites a brighter future, the story of South African women in sports radiates with unwavering inspiration. It’s a saga of resilience, of newfound opportunities, and of a nation united under the banner of fair play and the pursuit of excellence.