SANLAM KAY MOTSEPE SCHOOLS CUP BRINGS JOY TO SCHOOL CHILDREN

2010 Sanlam Kay Motsepe Schools Cup champions, Jet Nteo Secondary School from Boipatong Township in Vanderbijlpark, walked away with R1 Million, which increased by a further R100 000 as the Gauteng Provincial Champions. The winnings were spent on legacy projects identified by the school, and with most now complete, it is celebration time.

While sport received the majority of the funds in the form of a sports combo, sports equipment and a sprinkler system for the new soccer field that the schools is currently developing, the entire school will benefit from the PA system, security cameras, intercom and school notice board that were installed.

Run under the auspices of the South African Schools Football Association (SASFA), the Sanlam Kay Motsepe Schools Cup is the biggest schools football tournament in the country with the most prize money of over R3m. The winner gets R1 million, R600 000 for the runners-up, R500 000 and        R400 000 for third and fourth place finishers respectively. Provincial winners receive R100 000. The tournament prize money is spent on legacy projects identified by the school.

 “Our football team has done the school and the entire community proud,” said Jet Nteo Principal, Botiki Rampa. “Everything we received from the Sanlam Kay Motsepe Schools Cup is vital to the successful functioning of the school.”

 

“Our school philosophy is to ensure that all pupils do well in class, but we also realise the importance of sport and exercise.  Until now we could only offer soccer and netball but now we have the new sports combo we can offer Volleyball and Basket Ball as well.  Once we have completed the soccer field we will include hockey. We believe this is important in the development of a well rounded pupil.” said Rampa. 

Representatives from Sanlam will be at the unveiling of the legacy projects.  “Sanlam understands the value of development and the opportunity it gives youngsters to achieve what they hope for. We believe that the Sanlam Kay Motsepe Schools Cup creates opportunities that have a positive impact on the youth, and provides exposure to scouts for talented players. Importantly, it also contributes to enhanced learning through improved educational facilities for the benefit of the rest of the pupils in the participating schools and the broader community.” said Sanlam Sponsorship Manager Mr Frank Louw “The partnership between Sanlam, SASFA, Ubuntu-Botho Development Trust and the Motsepe Foundation indicates our commitment to addressing schools’ academic and sporting needs,”

Powerade Gives Athlete a chance to ‘Train Like an Olympian’

First time Cape Argus Pick ‘n Pay Cycle Tour participant, Ian Burger, might not have completed the race after breaking his cycle’s chain, but was drawn amongst over 2 000 entries to ‘Train Like an Olympian’ at the Powerade Sports Academy that will be in operation at the  London 2012 Olympic Games from 5 - 10 August.

“I entered the competition never believing I would be the Powerade Chosen One,” said 27 year-old Burger from Cape Town.  “When I was called to say I had won I thought it was a joke.  But reality set in when the call was followed up by a visit from a Powerade representative.”

The Biomedical Engineer and MRI Physicist, has just completed his PHD in Respiratory Motion Correction in Cardio MRI and is hoping this will be published in the Medical Journals and then adopted around the world as a new practice. The trip will enable Burger to conduct further research and gain insight into advanced training techniques.  Burger is a water sport enthusiast interested in canoeing, surfing and fishing and more recently he started running and cycling.

“I want to attend all the lectures and speak to some of the sports scientists and coaches at the Powerade Sports Academy,” said Burger.  “I trained as a Mechanical Engineer and my fascination of robotic arms pushed me into Biomedical Engineering.  I am currently working on the MRI scanning of fetus’s in-vitro, but robotic arms still remain of key and hopefully the sporting fraternity would benefit from the research I intend to undertake.  I see this trip as a launch pad for my research and this is a good place to start.”

“Powerade is a performance sports drink, and as such, everything we do around our sporting assets ties back to a scientific approach to hydration and exercise,” said Craig van Niekerk, Coca-Cola South Africa Marketing Assets Manager. “Ian is young, energetic and enthusiastic and is looking at getting as much benefit from the Powerade Sports Academy as possible to help him in his profession and sporting activities.  Hopefully the experience he gains through Powerade will give him that added inspiration that will one day make him a legend in medical technology.”

The Powerade Sports Academy gives athletes a chance to meet and train with Olympic coaches and athletes, focusing on skills in five different Olympic sports including athletics, swimming, football, cycling and basketball.

The coaches tailor make sessions using techniques from the various sporting codes to strengthen an athelete’s condition and help them  become better all round born sportsmen.

The Academy will deliver experiences and learnings in technique, fitness, team work, competition, hydration, nutrition and psychology.

Specifically, throughout the Academy the participants will be educated on hydration and how hydrating correctly with Powerade can optimize performance.  There will be both physical and psychological tests carried out throughout the experience to help put these learning’s into perspective.

Lectures will take place at lunch time including psychology and the application of science in sport.

THE DANONE NATIONS CUP ROAD SHOW MOVES TO KWAZULU-NATAL

KwaZulu-Natal is the next Province to host their Final which will take place at the Sugar Ray Xulu Stadium in Pinetown on Saturday, 24 March.

A school, that up until three years ago was a 4-block mud building, by the name of Oqondweni Primary School, will represent Obonjeni Region in the Provincial Finals.  Team coach, Bongani Mlambo says that his dream of getting to the National Finals is just a few games away.  “Last year was our first appearance in the Danone Nations Cup but we lost at cluster level. To me winning through to the Provincial finals shows that hard work pays off.”

“My team is based in a rural part of KwaZulu-Natal with no proper soccer fields and we have to borrow boots from the local amateur club when we play games,” said Mlambo.

2010 KwaZulu-Natal champions, Sinenzuzo Primary School, will again be playing in the Provincial Finals on Saturday, but this does not faze Mlambo.  “We have worked really hard for this opportunity and now it’s time for the boys to embrace the moment and enjoy the game. We have the skill, the confidence – all that is left is to show what we are made of and to get to the National final.” 

Sinenzuzo Primary School went on to represent the country in the 2010 Danone Nations Cup World Finals that took place in South Africa finishing in 16^th position.

Players Mlambo highlighted to make a different to his team include midfielder Qiniso Mbonambi and Striker Mxolisi Thwala.

The KwaZulu - Natal games kick-off this weekend at 9am with the final scheduled for 2.30pm. The other 10 teams that will compete include: Masihambisane Primary from Amajuba Region, Celimfundo Primary School  (Othukela Region), Matimatolo Primary School (Umzinyathi Region), Luhana Primary School (Sisonke Region), Oqondweni Primary School (Obonjeni Region), Ophuzane Primary School (Vryheid Region), Isinamuva Primary School (Umgungundlovu Region), Kwa Dukuza Primary School (Ilembe Region), Siyephu Primary School (Ugu Region) and Ndongeni Primary.

2010 NATIONAL FINAL WINNERS - KZN'S Sinenzuzo Primary

FIRST TIMERS CHAKAZA PRIMARY SCHOOL WIN THROUGH TO THE DANONE NATIONS CUP NATIONAL FINALS

Chakaza Primary school from Mpumalanga booked their place in the Danone Nations Cup National Finals after beating Zikhuphule Primary School 2 – 1 on penalties in a thrilling Final this past weekend.  Neither team managed to score during regulation time.

Mxolisi Shongwe, Chakaza Primary School’s goalkeeper, was hailed as the hero of the team by coach, Thabiso Shabangu after saving two penalties which put them into the National Finals.

Shabangu said proudly:  “My team showed such determination.   Khayelisha is a small town near Nelspruit with no soccer facilities so we have to train on the local community sports fields.  Some kids have to walk far to get to practise but soccer keeps us busy and entertained. This win is a motivator and proves that dreams do come true.”

The team was assisted by the Mpumalanga Premier, Mr David Mabuza.  “We were supported by our Provincial Premier who booked us into a local guesthouse the day prior to the tournament so we were able to rest and prepare.  The local College further gave us soccer boots.”

Shabanu has no formal soccer qualifications but believes his passion for the beautiful game and hard work will help his team get to World Finals in Poland:  “Nothing is impossible,” said the excited coach.

RESULTS – MPUMALANGA PROVINCIAL FINALS

IMIZAMOYETHU PRIMARY SCHOOL (Gert Sibande Region)

MHLAHLE PRIMARY SCHOOL (Bohlabela Region)
ZIKHUPHULE PRIMARY SCHOOL (Middleburg Region)
CHAKAZA PRIMARY SCHOOL (Ehlanzeni Region)

Chakaza Primary School 1 vs Zikhuphule Primary School 2  

Imizamoyethu Primary School 0 (2) vs Mhlahle Primary School 0 (3)
Imizamoyethu Primary School 0 (2) vs Chakaza Primary School 0 (3)
Zikhuphule Primary School 1 vs Mhlahle Primary School 2
Mhlahle Primary School 0 vs  Chakaza Primary School 1
Zikhuphule Primary School 1 (1) vs  Imizamoyethu  Primary School 1 (2)

FINAL LOG POSTION

1^st – Zikhuphule Primary School – 4 pts
2^nd – Chakaza Primary School – 4 pts
3^rd – Mhlahle Primary School – 4 pts
4^th – Imizamoyethu Primary School – 3 pts

FINAL

Zikhuphule Primary School 0 (1) vs Chakaza Primary School 0 (2)

THE ROAD TO THE DANONE NATIONS CUP WORLD FINAL BEGINS

Will Mhlahle from Bushbuckridge represent Mpumalanga Province in the Danone Nations Cup National Finals for the third successive year?  Coach Hans Mkhondo certainly believes this is possible.

Mpumalanga is the first Province to host their finals of the Danone Nations Cup scheduled to take place at the Embalenhle Stadium in Secunda on Saturday, 17 March.  Games will kick-off at 9 am with the final scheduled at 13:05pm.

 Gert Sibanda and Botshabela regions will be represented by Imizamoyethu and Mhlahle Primary Schools respectively.  This will be the third successive year the schools will be meeting in the Provincial Finals with Mhlahle progressing through to the National Finals in 2010 and 2011.  Also competing on Saturday are Chakaza Primary (Ehlanzeni Region) and Zikhuphule Primary from Middleburg Region.

 Mkhondo believes the Danone Nations Cup tournament is a stepping stone for kids to progress with their soccer:   “I use the tournament to give my boys the experience of playing against other schools.  Going to the National Finals is the best as we see how other Provinces prepare and play which helps us back at home.  I believe the reason for our continued success is that I have developed a good development programme.”

Mkhondo explains:  “I have been Mhlahle’s football coach since 2006. I registered for the Danone Nations Cup in 2007 and we have competed every year since.  For us it is the highlight of our soccer calendar and a competition the boys love to play in.”

 Mkhondo is passionate about soccer.  To ensure he gives his team the best coaching advice possible he enrolled in SAFA’s Level 2 coaching course.  “Not only would I like my team to be the one to go to Poland, but my dream is to one day have my own football academy.  I have heard through other schools that have competed in the Danone Nations Cup World Finals that the experience is unbelievable and you learn so much about different techniques and tactics.  I would like this experience as it would help me in the years to come.”

According to Communications Manager of Danone South Africa, Sandra Dorville, “The mission of Group Danone as a company is to bring health through food to as many people as possible,” she explains. “It is of vital importance to start teaching the value of a healthy diet at a young age.”

“When we launched the tournament we wanted to promote healthy eating habits by means of having fun and leading by example. Teaching the children the value of good healthy food while involved in the tournament,” says Dorville. “We also emphasise the fundamental principles; accessibility, fairplay, sportsmanship and fun to our developing young footballers.”

The winner on Saturday will represent Mpumalanga Province in the Danone Nations Cup National Final on 23 June.  The National winner will then represent South Africa at the Danone Nations Cup World Finals scheduled for Poland in October

Jennie Stenerhag, the 2009 Cape Argus Winner Experiences Innovation at Cape Argus Lifestyle Expo

Winner of the 2009 Cape Argus Cycle Tour, Jennie Stenerhag from Sweden, visited the Powerade Performance Stand at the Cape Argus Lifestyle Expo today to see what it feels like to experience the Vacusport Lower Body Negative Pressure Compression Chamber.

“I compete in up to 78 races a year,” said Stenerhag,  “This means that I have to be in peak condition all the time and machines like the Vacusport Lower Body Negative Pressure Compression Chamber will be beneficial for me as it helps prepare athletes as well as getting rid of the build-up of lactic acid after a race.”

Stenerhag will be in action on Sunday and is hoping to repeat her 2009 triumph.

When asked by a member of the public what advice she can give to cyclists starting out Stenerhag said:  “Go slowly.  It is best to go for short rides, and perhaps even twice a day, but do not go on these long slow rides.

When asked about her training, the charismatic cyclist said:  “I train based on what race I am about to compete in but normally between three and four hours a day.  I will not do any more.  People say one should train for a minimum of five hours, but I do not believe that.

“I have raced up to six days in a row and need to prevent injuries.  I like this Vacusport chamber and definitely see it as the way of the future and will definitely use it on a regular basis.

The principle of the Vacusport Lower Body Negative Pressure Compression Chamber lies in space medicine. The device was designed to help astronauts keep fit in the weightlessness of space and maintain the arterial blood supply of the lower extremities. 

“Powerade is an endurance performance sports drink, and as such, everything we do around our sporting assets ties back to a scientific approach to hydration and exercise,” says Craig van Niekerk, Coca-Cola South Africa Marketing Assets Manager.

Vacusport Lower Body Negative Pressure Compression Chamber was conceptualized in the 1960’s by the German Institute for Space Medicine at the German Aerospace Centre in Cologne.  Since its introduction, many papers have been written on the device, including one published by the American Journal of Physiology in 2001.

There are eight different programmes that can be utilized in this machine:

• Regeneration after training, reduction of lactate, cool down
• Regeneration after competition
• Improvement and optimization of performance before or after competition
• Vessel-training, capillarisation, optimization of blood count
• Rehabilitation of sports injuries (ruptures, bruising, haematomas)
• Rehabilitation of sports injuries (stretched or pulled ligaments and fractures)
• Wound healing
• Traction programme for the spinal column

Jennie Stenerhag passes on tips on training and the race day

Janez Vermeiren, Top Billing presenter is trying to decide if he should test out the device 

David Bellairs and Liezel van der Westhuizen wait for their turn on the Vacusport Lowerbody Negative Pressure Decompression Device

Stevel Marc has a chance on the device and is not short of a humerous moment

Liezel also gets a turn

After an explanation and a couple of questions Janez cannot wait for his turn

Janez Finally gets his turn

Kevin McCallum finds the device really interesting and is one of the first to try it out.

Powerade MC Stevel Marc and Gugu Zulu with his girlfriend Survivor South Africa Maldives runnerup Letshego Moshoeu

Jennie Stenerhag tries out the Vacusport Lower Body Negative Pressure Device

Willie Engelbrecht visits the Powerade Performance Stand and Talks to the Fans

Five times Cape Argus Cycle Tour winner, Willie Engelbrecht, visited the Powerade Performance Stand at the Cape Argus Lifestyle Expo today to experience the Vacusport Lower Body Negative Pressure Compression Chamber.

Engelbrecht also spoke to some of his fans who were keen to find out more about training for a race such as the Cape Argus Cycle Tour. “The best advice I can give you is not to make any changes to your diet the day before the race, specifically when it comes to the energy boosters.  Stick to Powerade, Coca-Cola and water.”

This was endorsed by sports scientist, Ross Tucker.  “But, what all cyclists need to be aware of is over hydration.  You need to listen to our bodies.  If you feel thirsty then drink, but do not think that you need to take in liquids at every watering point.  It is normal to lost up to 2kg during the race.  This you can pick up again after a Powerade at the finish.  What we scientists fear the most is when an athlete picks up weight during a race.  This is a sure indication that something is wrong which could lead to water on the brain and the athlete can go into a coma.”

Tucker advised cyclists to eat foods such as banana and potato just before the race.  “Food that converts to energy is what is needed prior to the race and not carbo loading.” 

The principle of the Vacusport Lower Body Negative Pressure Compression Chamber lies in space medicine. The device was designed to help astronauts keep fit in the weightlessness of space and maintain the arterial blood supply of the lower extremities. 

“Powerade is an endurance performance sports drink, and as such, everything we do around our sporting assets ties back to a scientific approach to hydration and exercise,” says Craig van Niekerk, Coca-Cola South Africa Marketing Assets Manager.

Vacusport Lower Body Negative Pressure Compression Chamber was conceptualized in the 1960’s by the German Institute for Space Medicine at the German Aerospace Centre in Cologne.  Since its introduction, many papers have been written on the device, including one published by the American Journal of Physiology in 2001.

Ross Tucker talking about various aspects of training on the Powerade Performance Stand

Willie Engelbrecht trying out the Vacusport Lower Body Negative Pressure Chamber

Gustav Obermeyer tells Willie Engelbrecht trying how the Vacusport Lower Body Negative Pressure Chamber works

SCHOOLS PREPARE FOR THE 2012 DANONE NATIONS CUP IN SOUTH AFRICA

Bree Primary School from Mayfair, Jo’burg, will be in action again this year in a bid to win the South African leg of the Danone Nations Cup and go on to compete in the World finals in Poland later in the year.  If this is achieved the school will make history as the only South African school to play in the World Finals three times.

“It’s all about pride,” believes team manager, Dave Khalicharan. “We were SA champs for two years running.  In 2008 we finished in 9^th position in the World Finals in France and we won the 2009 World Finals which were played in South Africa in 2010.  We managed to get to the National Finals in 2010 and 2011 but that is as far as we got.  This year we want to redeem ourselves.”

Khalicharan admits that competition will be tough. “We will have to face opponents such as Sabepuso Primary from Orlando West and Dr Knak Primary from Alexandra.  We have come up against both teams before and they have beaten us, but this year we are prepared.”

Meanwhile, 11 year old striker and captain, Nkosinathi Nzimande, from Sinenzuzo Primary School from KwaZulu-Natal believes his team is ready for the season and could just cause an upset again.  “We were the 2010 National Champions and I believe we could well win again this year.  Last year we were beaten early in the competition by Inakemazolo, but we learnt our lesson.”

Sinenzuzo has three players that competed in 2011:  “The three experienced players and the principal are giving us moral support which is helping us to keep focused,” said Nzimande.  “But all I want to do is to go to Poland and shake hands with the Danone Nations Cup ambassador, Zinedine Zidane.  That is my ultimate dream.”

The Danone Nations Cup is the biggest football tournament for kids between the ages of 10 and 12 in the world.  The inaugural tournament kicked off in 2000 and since then the tournament has touched the lives of 12 million people around the world.  “Danone, the world’s largest producer of fresh dairy products, started this tournament with the desire to act responsibly and focus on children’s well being and health,” explains Sandra Dorville, Communications Manager of Danone Southern Africa.  “Football, as a universal sport, is the perfect way to promote values like fair play, the pleasure of the game, team spirit, sharing and above all human values like openness and respect.”

“By bringing healthy food and some good healthy fun together, children learn about life through a shared experience. And to those who get to the World Finals, it is an experience that will undoubtedly become a cherished memory,” says Dorville.

The Danone Nations Cup South Africa kicks-off with the Mpumalanga Provincial Final taking place at the eMbalenhle Stadium, Secunda, on 17 March.

Sandile Magubane of Bree Primary School in action at the 2009 DNCWF

Bree Primary School Team after winning the 2009 DNC World Finals

2010 National Finals Winners - Sinenzuzo Primary

SCHOOLS GET MORE TIME TO REGISTER FOR THE SASFA SANLAM KAY MOTSEPE SCHOOLS CUP

The organizers of the Sanlam Kay Motsepe Schools Cup have extended the deadline for entries into this lucrative  schools soccer tournament until the end of March to give more time to the outlying schools to submit their registration forms and compete for the R1 million first prize.

However, numerous entries have already been submitted and many of the schools that participated in the past two years are on the list again.  For instance, Harmony  High School (2011 champions of this tournament) was the first school to register in the province and are already in training to win the R1 million for a second successive year, but they will have stiff competition from 2011 Free State provincial champions,  Dr Reginald Cingo Comprehensive High School, who have also registered.

Dr Reginald Cingo Comprehensive High School has been participating in the SASFA Sanlam Kay Motsepe Schools Cup for four years and last year was the first time that they reached the national finals.  “Reaching the national finals was a clear indication of what hard work and determination can do for you,” said coach Pule Nketu.  “The players are looking forward to participating again this year and our preparations have already started as we want to finish within at least the top four positions.”

Meanwhile Harmony High School will represent the Lejweleputswa region for the sixth consecutive year. The football academy, based in Virginia, beat Westridge Secondary School of Mitchell’s Plain 5 - 4 on penalties at the National Finals held at Seeisa Ramabodu Stadium last year to lift the trophy.  Harmony High School was national champions in 2007, third place finishers in 2008 and 2009 and runners up in 2010 (formerly the Kay Motsepe Schools Cup).

Western Cape Sports School from Cape Town will be making their third appearance in the tournament this year.  Although the school has never gone beyond the provincials, 18 year old team captain Michael Moosa believes this will change: “We have support from the technical team as well as the teachers. Training schedules have changed and more effort is being placed on the technical aspects of the game. Our goal is to represent Western Cape at the National Finals.  Once we have achieved this we will look at the opposition and plan our next games.”

Then there are the schools that will be making their debut in the tournament such as Ngaka Maseko Secondary School of Mabopane in Gauteng, Tshala Secondary School of Ga Mochemi Village, Limpopo and HF Tlou high school from Tlhabane, North West.

HF Tlou coach, Thabo Moutlwatsi is excited to participate in the tournament:  “This is the most respected tournament in the country and we are privileged to be able to compete for the first time this year. We are fully aware that competition will be tight, but hopefully with hard work and luck we will make it to the National Finals.”

Once registration closes, schools will compete in a league format at cluster level, with the winners going on to play in the regional final knockout.  Each province will then host their regional winners to determine the team that will represent the province in the National Finals.  In an attempt to give more schools a chance to win the R1 million, the SASFA Sanlam Kay Motsepe Schools Cup committee allows for the provincial winners and runners-up to compete in the National finals. The 18 teams will then compete for the winning trophy from 2 to 6 October in Bloemfontein.

Sanlam Sponsorship Manager, Frank Louw, will be attending all provincial finals: “Sanlam understands the value of development and the importance of realising what one hopes for. We believe that the SASFA Sanlam Kay Motsepe Schools Cup creates opportunities that have a positive impact on the youth and also provide exposure to scouts for those pupils who have talent. Moreover, the tournament also contributes to enhanced learning through improved educational facilities for the benefit of the rest of pupils in the winning schools and the broader communities around them.”

POWERADE OFFERS THE OPPORTUNITY TO EXPERIENCE THE VACUSPORT LOWER BODY NEGATIVE PRESSURE COMPRESSION CHAMBER TO ARGUS CYCLE TOUR ATHLETES

The Powerade Performance Stand at the Cape Argus Lifestyle Expo allows athletes to:

·         Experience the new Vacusport Lower Body Negative Pressure Compression Chamber to fine tune muscles in preparation for the race

·         Enter the Powerade competition and stand a chance to win a ticket to the London 2012 Olympic Games

Johannesburg, 5 March, 2012 ­– The world renowned Vacusport Lower Body Negative Pressure Compression Chamber, known to optimize and increase physical performance and significantly reduce injuries, will be on the Powerade Performance Stand at the Cape Argus Lifestyle Expo from 8 – 10 March. The machine will be made available to all athletes in their final preparation phase leading up to the grueling race.

The principle of the Vacusport Lower Body Negative Pressure Compression Chamber lies in space medicine.  No astronaut can do without the lower body negative pressure and the device was devised to help astronauts keep fit in the weightlessness of space and maintain the arterial blood supply of the lower extremities. 

“Powerade is an endurance performance orientated sports drink, and as such everything we do around our sporting assets ties back to a scientific approach to hydration and exercise,” says Craig van Niekerk, Coca-Cola South Africa Marketing Assets Manager.

It is not the first time that Powerade has used technology for the betterment of sport.  “In the recent cricket tour between South Africa and Sri Lanka we introduced the Powerade Performance Tracker, a system that operates via GPS and monitors player’s speed and heart rate thus enabling him to operate at peak performance.  Now we are offering all cyclists participating in the Pick n Pay Cape Argus Cycle Tour 5 minutes in the Vacusport Lower Body Negative Pressure Compression Chamber,” adds van Niekerk

The Vacusport Lower Body Negative Pressure Compression Chamber has been thoroughly researched.  The device was conceptualized in the 1960’s by the German Institute for Space Medicine at the German Aerospace Centre in Cologne.  There have since been many papers written on the device including by the American Journal of Physiology in 2001. There are 8 different programmes that can be utilized:

• Regeneration after training, reduction of lactate, cool down
• Regeneration after competition
• Improvement and optimization of performance before or after competition
• Vessel-training, capillarisation, optimization of blood count
• Rehabilitation of sports injuries (ruptures, bruising, haematomas)
• Rehabilitation of sports injuries (stretched or pulled ligaments and fractures)
• Wound healing
• Traction programme for the spinal column

Cricket South Africa has purchases one of these chambers and it was utilsed throughout the recent Australian and Sri Lankan Tours.

That is not all Powerade is offering the 35 000 athletes:  “Globally we sponsor sporting codes at the highest level, including the Olympic games, and all cyclists that purchase Powerade concentrate at the stand can enter our ‘Train like an Olympian’ competition,” says van Niekerk.

In August 2012, The Powerade Sports Academy will be in operation at the 2012 London Olympic Games.  Powerade is running a number of competitions over the next couple of months offering South African athletes a chance to experience this once in a lifetime opportunity.  One ticket is on offer to Argus cyclists.

The lucky winners will meet and train with specialist Olympic coaches and athletes focusing on skills in 5 different Olympic codes, namely athletics, swimming, football, cycling and basketball.

There will be sessions in each sporting code using techniques to strengthen condition and help participants become better sportsmen.  The academy will deliver experiences and learnings in technique, fitness, team work, competition, hydration, nutrition and psychology. 

“Powerade will specifically educate participants on hydrating correctly to help optimize performance.  There will be both physical and psychological tests carried out throughout the experience to help put these learning into perspective,” concludes van Niekerk.  

Local and international sports scientists will visit the Powerade Performance Stand to give advice on training and how to perform best during endurance sports.