Engen, in collaboration with the South African Rugby Union, brought the ‘Get Into It’ development programme to the Mangaung oval Thursday (18/7) alongside three Springboks to get school children between the ages of six and nine more actively involved.

The day consisted of teams from local primary schools playing a series of touch rugby, which included 10 girls and 10 boys from each school.

Excited kids gathering for the day's programme. Photo: Casey-Lee Anthony.

Amongst the schools in attendance were:

Joe Solomon Primary School; Credence Primary School; Olympia Primary School; Karabelo Primary School; Mabolelo Primary School; Rutanang Primary School; Lesedi Primary School; St Mary’s Primary School; Morafe Primary School; Phahamisang Primary School.

The programme is aimed at introducing rugby to primary school learners in schools with minimal exposure, seeing how big rugby is in our country and allowing them to learn and grow within the sport.

Teams from local primary schools played a series of touch rugby. Photo: Casey-Lee Anthony.

“This avenue allows us to bring the sport to underprivileged kids and give them the equal opportunity to be exposed to the sport and hopefully ignite their passion so that they can take it up going forward,” said Tsholo Tiro, Engen Brand & Sponsorship Manager

Due to the trophy tour being brought to Bloemfontein, the organizations thought it would be the perfect occasion to have an activation of this size this year.

The three Springbok players namely Thomas Du Toit, Makazolo Mapimpi and Kurt-Lee Arendse were on the scene taking pictures with the different teams and offering them some words of wisdom and encouragement.

Three Springbok players were on the scene offering words of wisdom and encouragement. Photo: Casey-Lee Anthony.

“I think it’s a great idea, for the kids to be involved in such an initiative and I think they will learn from it and I think it also means that they are interested in sport and that is a good thing,” said Springbok Rugby player Kurt-Lee Arendse

“I think it’s very special to have these types of initiatives to get children at such a young age to learn about rugby and that they are able to enjoy it this much,” said Springbok rugby player, Thomas Du Toit

Engen said this initiative will be held throughout the year in each province to cater for all the children.

OFM News/Casey-Lee Anthony mvh