By Nikki Matthews & Mak Kahla | COO & Head of Rugby
Introduction
We are thrilled to share the wonderful experiences and successes of the VUSA children's tour, made possible by your generous support. Your contribution has created unforgettable memories and invaluable opportunities for our young athletes.
Tour Highlights
20th June: Departure and Arrival
Departure from Langa Stadium (05:00 AM): The day began early with an emotional and exciting farewell at Langa Stadium. Parents gathered to see off their children, creating a heartfelt atmosphere filled with anticipation.
Journey to Port Elizabeth: The children were brimming with excitement, singing for the first two hours of the trip before settling down for some rest.
Arrival in Port Elizabeth (16:30 PM): A warm and enthusiastic welcome awaited them at the host school (Woodridge). The children settled into their dorms, ready for the days ahead.
Dinner and Guest Speaker (18:00 PM): Dinner was followed by an inspiring speech from World Cup Rugby Winner Deon Fourie, who opened the festival and wished the children the best of luck.
21st June: First Day of the Festival
Breakfast and Team Photos: The day started with an early breakfast at 06:30 AM. At 08:00 AM, team photos were taken, a wonderful moment for our kids as they proudly wore their brand-new kit.
Matches: The first match began at 11:00 AM, followed by another at 14:00 PM. The team experienced both defeat and victory, losing one game and winning another.
Games Evening: After the matches, all the schools participated in a games evening, allowing the children to bond and interact off the rugby field.
Staff Social Event: The staff enjoyed a steak evening, providing an opportunity to socialise and network with other school teachers.
22nd June: Rising Fame and Victories
Third Game: By the third game, VUSA had become the fan favorite. Spectators eagerly watched and supported our team, and we were really proud of the feedback we got about their behaviour both on and off the field.
Victories: The team showcased exceptional rugby skills and sportsmanship, winning the rest of their games.
Springboks vs. Wales: In the evening, all the children gathered to watch the Springboks play against Wales, celebrating the diversity and unity of our nation.
23rd June: Fun Day
Tsitsikamma Activities: The children enjoyed a break from rugby with a fun day at Tsitsikamma, engaging in activities such as zip-lining. These were opportunities none of the children had ever experienced.
Travel with Wetpups Boys: On the way back, the Wetpups boys joined the VUSA kids on the bus, making the journey enjoyable and memorable.
Evening: After a long and adventurous day, everyone was ready for a warm shower and a good night's rest.
24th June: Final Day and Return
Last Day of the Festival: The final day was marked by an intense and thrilling game against St Peter's Prep, where VUSA emerged victorious (a very close game).
Return to Cape Town: We traveled back to Cape Town immediately after the game.
Arrival and Reunion: Upon arrival, parents were overwhelmed with joy and pride. They welcomed their children with open arms, so grateful for this experience for their children and celebrating the achievements of the young athletes.
Conclusion
This tour was a resounding success, filled with emotional moments, exciting games, and memorable experiences. Our children not only showcased their rugby skills but also developed strong bonds with their peers, learned valuable lessons in sportsmanship, and experienced the joy of representing VUSA on a broader stage.
This journey would not have been possible without your generous support. We extend our heartfelt gratitude for making this unforgettable experience a reality for our children. Your contributions have truly made a difference in their lives, and we are deeply appreciative of your commitment to their growth and success.
With sincere thanks,
Nikki Matthews
VUSA Rugby and Learning Academy
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