Linda Moreotsene

Linda Moreotsene

More than 1000 youngsters are taking part in the Transnet School Sport Championships at Super Stadium that started yesterday and ends on Saturday.

They will participate in athletics, basketball, chess, netball, soccer and volleyball.

Michael Moloto, portfolio manager of sponsors, Transnet Foundation, said the championships aims to encourage youngsters from rural and farm schools around the country to live their sporting dreams.

"For many of these children, excelling in a sporting discipline could mean a ticket out of poverty, especially since few have the opportunities that their urban counterparts enjoy.

"This initiative also gives them hope and dignity, and the will to strive to be the best," Moloto said.

Organisers said knockout tournaments were held in the six regions where the development project is being implemented: Bushbuckridge, Libode, Mtubatuba, Qwaqwa, Sekhukhune and Taung.

Khayelihle Khumalo, the head of the KwaZulu-Natal delegation, said: "Most of the children are orphans from remote farm areas and this programme gives them a lifeline of hope."