Junior track & field stars converged on the TuksAthletics Stadium on Saturday 06 November 2021 ready to prove that their future is #ForeverFaster at the PUMA School of Speed #2!
Headed by the World’s Fastest Man, Usain Bolt, the PUMA School of Speed Series was launched in 2016 with the goal of identifying exceptional young South African athletes who believe that their future is #ForeverFaster.
“The TuksAthletics Stadium was alive with excitement today,” says PUMA Marketing Director Brett Bellinger. “It was great to be able to welcome spectators back to the sport, albeit in a limited capacity, we loved hearing them cheer the athletes on. Now we look forward to closing off the series at the PUMA School of Speed #3 at the Ruimsig Stadium in Roodepoort on Saturday 13 November 2021. If the first two events are anything to go by, we expect an action-packed day of competition as SA’s junior track & field stars prove that their future is #ForeverFaster.”
Siyabonga Jiyane (Springs, East Rand Gauteng) claimed gold in the Boy’s U19 200m in a deserving time of 21.95 seconds. According to Jiyane, the PUMA School of Speed is a great opportunity for young athletes to get exposed to the professional life of an athlete. “They can learn to improve themselves mentally, physically and emotionally in all parts of the sport,” says Jiyane. “Today’s competition was good. It wasn’t what I expected though because it is my first race after a year and a half, so I have been working to get better and better. I reached both of my goals in the 100m and 200m, so I am happy with my performance. Claiming gold today means that all the work that I have put into my training is paying off. It really means a lot to me.”
Prestige College’s Banele Shabangu (originally from Mpumalanga, now residing in Hammanskraal in Northern Gauteng) dominated the Girl’s U19 200m crossing the finish line in 23.79 seconds. “The PUMA School of Speed is amazing, it gives people the opportunity to reveal their talent,” says a very happy Shabangu. “It’s not my first PUMA School of Speed, but unfortunately this will be the last year that I can compete. I am very grateful that I had the opportunity to showcase my talent each and every year that it was hosted. I reached my goal and just got a new PB. I am closing off my year with a great PB and I am really proud of myself. It means a lot to claim gold today, but I still need to work hard for better times and more gold medals.”
Coaching Clinic: The PUMA School of Speed #2 boasted a number of world class offerings including a coaching clinic that was hosted by none other than IAAF Level 3 Sprint Coach, Hennie Kriel. Free of charge, the coaching clinic focused specifically on sprints and hurdles. Slots were however limited and filled up fast.
PUMA Ambassadors join in on the fun: An impressive list of Grigora Athletes and PUMA Ambassadors attended the PUMA School of Speed #2. Junior track & field stars were given the opportunity to interact with a number of their sporting heroes including the likes of Thembo Monareng, Henricho Bruintjies, Sinesipho Dambile, Clarence Munyai, Glenrose Xaba, Rikenette Steenkamp and Wenda Nel. The Grigora training group represents the birthplace of speed, excellence and performance – being founded on the belief that South African sprinting’s time has come. The Grigora training system includes both performance and business elements which creates an environment where athletes can flourish both on and off the track.
Live Entertainment: As if the action-packed lineup wasn’t enough, entrants and spectators were treated to a live performance by Afrobeats singer and Nalingi hitmaker, Manu WorldStar.
NEXT UP: PUMA School of Speed #3
Date: Saturday 13 November 2021
Venue: Ruimsig Stadium (Roodepoort)
Entry Fee: Athletes NO COST to enter the event
Please Note: Athlete entries close two days prior to each event.
Events:
• 1500m: Girls U15, Boys U15, Girls U17, Boys U17, Girls U19, Boys U19
• High Jump: Girls U15, Boys U15, Girls U17, Boys U17, Girls U19, Boys U19
• Triple Jump: Girls U17, Boys U17, Girls U19, Boys U19
• 400m: Girls U15, Boys U15, Girls U17, Boys U17, Girls U19, Boys U19
• Long Jump: Girls U15, Boys U15, Girls U17, Boys U17, Girls U19, Boys U19
• 100m: Girls U15, Boys U15, Girls U17, Boys U17, Girls U19, Boys U19
• 110m Hurdles: Boys U17m Boys U19
• 100m Hurdles: Boys U15, Girls U17, Girls U19
• 90m Hurdles: Girls U15
• 200m: Girls U15, Boys U15, Girls U17, Boys U17, Girls U19, Boys U19
• 800m: Girls U15, Boys U15, Girls U17, Boys U17, Girls U19, Boys U19
Age Categories: U15, U17 and U19
Entries are OPEN: Enter via www.schoolofspeed.com
The PUMA School of Speed Meets are endorsed by athletics federations, finishing times will count as official qualification for provincial and national championships.
EXCITING NEWS: The PUMA School of Speed Series welcomes individual athletes and/or schools who believe that their future is #ForeverFaster. Junior track and field stars between the ages of 14-19 can follow in the footsteps of Usain Bolt. All entrants will stand a chance to be scouted and contracted to the PUMA #ForeverFaster Squad. The top identified talent will be awarded PUMA CONTRACTS at the conclusion of the series!
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For further information contact Stillwater Sports on 082 991 0045, via email info@schoolofspeed.com or visit www.schoolofspeed.com
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