This vision proved especially motivational as the organizers encountered multiple challenges during the planning stages. However, the idea was incubated by the support of sponsors, students, and staff, and eventually a truly spirited event was birthed.
The tournament consisted of four teams, consisting of students from the various levels of study. Two staff members also joined the fun on the pitch. Each team played every other team, and points were tallied to determine the winners.
The side-lines were packed with spectators and the non-playing teams. Teams kept high energy levels thanks to fruit, water, and Powerade which were kindly sponsored. These items were also enjoyed by the spectators at the event.
At the end of the event, a prize giving ceremony was held, and teams were bursting with joy upon receiving their prizes and medals/trophy. The top 3 teams received prizes to the value of R2000, R1300, and R1000 respectively. The event ended on a high note, as all the spectators and teams assembled for a photograph.
The event proved to have brought people together to share a unique experience that they can cherish as part of their time at Nelson Mandela University.
The organizers of the tournament, Yamkela Ranana and Chris Abraham, extend their heartfelt gratitude to the volunteers (photographers, the media officer, score-keepers, match-officials, fruit and drink distributors, match schedulers, etc.), to all the spirited players and spectators, and to the sponsors: Dean (Dr Franks) and Executive Secretary, (Dale Charlene), the SRC Sports Officer, and Madibaz Sport, who all assisted to their best capabilities, administratively and financially.
Being the centenary of the birth of Nelson Mandela, we end with the following quote: “Sports have the power to change the world. It has the power to inspire, the power to unite people in a way that little else does.”
