Bambisanani Partnership - Trust Schools take part in International Athletics Challenge
St. Joseph's Pudsey, St. Mary's Horsforth and Holy Name Cookridge were among the schools who took part in the challenge.
Bambisanani Partnership International Athletics Challenge 2024
The fourth Annual Bambisanani Partnership International Athletics Challenge, supported by the KwaZulu-Natal Department of Sport, Arts & Culture and Coastlands Hotels and Resorts, brought together 13 primary schools: 10 from rural KwaZulu-Natal in South Africa and 3 from the Leeds in the UK. Students (aged 9 and 10) participated in a range of athletics challenges in their own schools and then compared performances ‘virtually’ to create competition between the schools. 355 learners participated this year bringing the total over the past four years to 1,207.
David Farmer, Deputy Headteacher from St. Joseph’s Pudsey Primary School in Leeds who travelled to South Africa with the team of volunteers from St. Mary’s School and supported the Nkandla Athletics Festival said, "This year we returned to South Africa and involved even more schools and learners in the Athletics Festival. The children undertook a variety of fun warm up activities then went to each ‘athletics station’, where they received coaching from the young leaders from the UK. Coaching cards were provided to the schools so they could continue their teaching of athletics in preparation for next year. The young leaders were amazed at the enthusiasm and eagerness that the South African pupils showed. They commented that it was one of the many highlights of their visit and were grateful of the opportunity to use their coaching skills internationally. From my perspective it was wonderful to see so many children competing and interacting with our young leaders, the numbers of children competing had significantly increased from last year. Smiles were on the faces of all those involved, from pupil to coaches, and it was great to have the chance to be there at the awards ceremony when the medals were presented. I will never forget the joy of parents dancing and singing, sharing in their child's achievement. As one of the adults on the team, it was great to stand back and see the young leaders step forward to take on coaching roles so effectively. There was real learning through sport on so many levels. We have to extend this outstanding initiative."
Read the full story on the Bambisanani Partnership website.
The Bambisanani Partnership is a unique collaboration developed by St. Mary’s Menston school in Leeds, UK and Mnyakanya High School in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. Our partnership uses sport as a major catalyst to develop international understanding, education, health and leadership. Bambisanani is the Zulu word meaning 'working hand in hand'. 'Bambisanani' aptly encapsulates the philosophy of the partnership which significantly now includes the University of Leeds, Leeds Trinity University and Newcastle College as key members. The initiative, which began in 2006, has gained both national and international acclaim and is a registered charity that is run entirely by volunteers. Over the past 18 years, more than 23,000 students from the UK and South Africa have participated in Bambisanani Partnership programmes and projects.