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More than five thousand school learners have been introduced to the TAG Rugby Tackle Safety Programme since it was launched with the backing of the South African Rugby Union (SARU) two months ago.
The ground-breaking pilot project has seen 135 TAG Rugby sessions held in schools on the Cape Flats and in local townships, with a total of 5158 children exposed to the concept. Seventeen (17) schools have also been introduced to the Anti Drugs/ Anti Crime message and a total of 13 500 youngsters have been exposed to this campaign.
This rugby project goes hand-in-hand with an Anti Drugs/ Anti Crime message which has been introduced to 17 schools and 13 500 youngsters.
“It’s pleasing to see that these initiatives have been well received by all the schools that have been exposed to this project,” said Johan Prinsloo, chief executive of SARU.
“Learners that have been exposed to the TAG Rugby Tackle Safety Project face many challenges in their young lives. This initiative now offers these kids an opportunity to become active in sport and enjoy a lifestyle that’s a challenge to the threat of drugs and crime.”
The Tackle Safety pilot project aims to introduce TAG rugby to about 24 000 learners at 40 schools on the Safe Schools Programme in the Western Cape. If successful, the aim is to roll out this initiative nationwide.
TAG Rugby is a high-paced, contact-free version of rugby where tackles are simulated by pulling Velcro ribbons from belts worn by all players.
This project has the support of the United Nations Office for Drugs and Crime, the Western Cape departments of Education, Cultural Affairs and Sport, and Community Safety, the South African Police Services (SAPS) and the Western Province Rugby Union.
“At schools both the teachers and principals are very happy with the programme because it ties in so well with the Life Orientation syllabus,” said Stuart McConnell, Executive Director of the TAG Rugby Association.
“This is a fantastic opportunity to develop rugby in a fun, safe manner and at the same time get young children involved in physical activity. Another great feature of the programme is that it does not add to the already heavy workload that teachers carry, as it is run by the Association thus ensuring that the programme is sustainable.
“Due to the fact that there’s no tackling, scrums, line-outs, kicking and physical contact in TAG Rugby, this gives the girls the confidence to compete on an equal footing with the boys.”
The current introductory project will end in December and make way for the start of a league competition at the start of the new school year in January. A decision on a national roll out will be taken on completion of the pilot project. |
