SPORT NEWS - Athletics in the Southern Cape is set for a major boost with the introduction of a new athletics series aimed at developing and identifying young talent between the ages of 14 and 23.
ASWD Track and Field will launch the new series on Tuesday 25 August, with the programme running through to February 2027, when the athletics season reaches its peak. The initiative is presented in partnership with the Amen Sport Association, represented by Richard Els, George Municipality and Engen York Street.
The series will consist of eight qualifying events, followed by three invitational events in January and February 2027. At the conclusion of the qualifying phase, the top eight athletes in each event will be selected to compete in the invitational meetings.
The series will provide athletes with valuable competition experience while also serving as an important ASWD qualifying platform for future team selections.
All events will take place at the Rosemoor athletics track and are expected to run for approximately two to three hours. Athletes will also get the opportunity to compete using new equipment introduced at the venue.
Particular emphasis has been placed on the introduction of the highly specialised Timetronic electronic timekeeping system, which will be used for the first time during the series.
A total of 29 officials - 17 George Municipality employees and 12 ASWD officials - have been trained in the use and handling of the sensitive timing system, ensuring that the meetings can be conducted to a high standard.
Series dates in 2026:
• 25 August - Sprints, throws and racewalking
• 8 September - Jumps and middle distances
• 22 September - Sprints, throws and racewalking
• 6 October - Jumps and middle distances
• 20 October - Relays
• 3 November - Sprints, throws and racewalking
• 17 November - Jumps and middle distances
• 1 December - Relays
The three invitational events will take place on the following dates in 2027:
• 12 January
• 26 January
• 9 February
ASWD Talent ID
The athletics calendar will also include the ASWD Talent ID and the SWD Masters Championships, which will be held at Rosemoor Stadium from 1 to 3 October this year.
Entry to the series is free, and all athletes who meet the relevant requirements are encouraged to participate.
Entries for each meeting will close on the Friday preceding the event, so athletes are urged to register before the closing deadline.
For more information, contact ASWD manager Soraya de Reuck on 044 873 0023, or Track and Field chairperson Jonathan Hardnick on 081 315 7016.
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