MZANSI's up-and-coming athletes will be heading to Italy to showcase their talents.
Gauteng will be sending 132 young athletes from across the province aged 16 and under to the TriColor Games, which will take place from July 24 to 30 at the City of Reggio Emilia in Italy.
For some of the athletes, it will be their first time flying in a plane and participating internationally.
The athletes will take part in sporting codes such as rugby, soccer, athletics, chess, swimming, as well as basketball.
On Saturday, 15 July, Gauteng Department of Sport, Arts, Culture and Recreation hosted a send-off function at Brixton Multi-purpose Centre in Joburg.
The jubilant athletes said they are looking forward to represent Mzansi in Italy.
Botshelo Maolusi (16) from Kagiso, Mogale City said he was inspired by his cousin Smanga Moalusi, who plays rugby and featured in the Craven Week tournaments.
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"I'm looking forward to this opportunity to go to Italy to represent the Gauteng Provincial Team and my school," he said.
Botshelo, who is a grade 10 pupil at HeronBridge College, said the tournament will give him an opportunity to be exposed to international tournaments.
His mum, Matildah Moalusi, said she tried to discourage him not to play rugby because she didn't understand the sport.
"When he joined Kagiso Sting Rugby Club, I saw he loved the sport, and his father and I gave him the support he needed," she said.
Godwil Mathebula, an athlete from Magaliesburg, said this is an opportunity of a lifetime for him.
"I've never been in a plane before. I'm scared and excited at the same time," he said.
Kagiso Striders Athletics Club coach, Dithapelo Tumane, said he has been working for years in developing athletes and he's happy that the sport has changed the lives of the young kids from the townships.
"My intention is to see athletes that I nurtured making strides in sports. I may not have an opportunity to go overseas, but seeing these children's achievements makes me happy," said Dithapelo.
Sedibeng Basketball players Neo Mofokeng and Nomsa Mokhothu from Sebokeng, Vaal, said they can't wait to play in the TriColor Games in Italy.
"Going to Italy is the best birthday present for me. I'm turning 15 on 17 July," said Neo.
Gauteng Director of Sport, Arts, Culture and Recreation, Marissa Rose, said the programme is really about giving kids an opportunity to participate in various events.
"The athletes were selected in October last year. These games happen every after four years but because of Covid-19, the games were moved to this year.
"The games are about social cohesion. It's about friendship and giving the kids an opportunity to perform overseas," said Rose.
Gauteng Sports confederation president, Vivian Lottering, said it's important to send a message to the youth that sports could change their lives.
"When we talk about grassroots development, it's about giving opportunity to kids who have never slept in the hotel or went overseas," said Lottering.
