Clinics to grow rugby in schools kick off

THREE primary schools in the Zwide township were filled with excitement when the Bhubesi Pride Rugby in Africa programme kicked off yesterday.

The programme, which runs until Friday, sees rugby players from Emsengeni, Emzomncane and Isaac Booi primary schools being included in the initiative.

The programme includes three days of rugby coaching clinics at the three schools with a rugby tournament to be held on Friday at Pearson.

The coaching clinics will take place at the schools' sports grounds and a total of 360 pupils will be transported to Pearson on the day of the tournament.

Bhubesi Pride, together with G4S African Region, is a charity initiative which organises rugby coaching clinics for children from under-privileged schools. Teams of coaches will be on hand to give advice to aspiring rugby players and tips on how to improve their game.

Besides the coaching, G4S will provide children with T-shirts, caps, lunch, drinks, certificates, trophies and career talks at the interactive stand that will be set up.

This is the second time this initiative will be held in Port Elizabeth. The programme provides mass participation in rugby and other sports, and also educational programmes in schools and street communities with the aim of developing youth rugby players from these areas.

G4S Africa's regional human resources director Elanie Kruger explained the reason behind their involvement.

"With Bhubesi Pride, G4S has developed a partnership which shares our vision of making a positive and sustainable difference in Africa," she said. - Amir Chetty