A new athletics event in the Western Cape is aiming to reshape school sport in South Africa, as the province prepares to host its first-ever schools relay festival in Stellenbosch. The competition introduces a fresh format that blends traditional track and field into a team-based relay structure, bringing together young athletes and international competitors in a single event.
The Western Cape Schools Relay event, set to take place at Coetzenburg Stadium in Stellenbosch, marks a significant step in reimagining how athletics competitions are structured at school level. The event is being launched through a partnership between World Wide Scholarships and Western Cape Schools Athletics, with organisers positioning it as a potential flagship competition for the region.
Unlike traditional athletics meets, where athletes compete individually, this format places teams at the centre of competition. Relay teams will consist of five members, with four athletes competing in sequence while overall times determine the winner. The concept extends beyond track races, with field events such as long jump, shot put, discus, and javelin also adapted into a relay-style format where team performances are combined.
Organisers say the aim is to introduce a more dynamic and engaging format that encourages teamwork, increases participation, and creates a stronger spectator experience. By integrating multiple disciplines into a continuous event structure, the festival is designed to keep audiences engaged throughout the day.
WWS chief executive officer Munya Maraire said the long-term vision is to revive school athletics by introducing a competition model that is both competitive and entertaining.
“This will be Africa’s version of the Penn Relays. We are excited to host top professional teams heading to Botswana. You will see them live before they compete in Gaborone,” Maraire said.
The event is also attracting international attention. Germany has confirmed an 86-member squad, highlighting the scale of participation expected. The timing of the festival is significant, as it will serve as a preparation event ahead of the World Athletics Relays Championships in Gaborone, scheduled for early May.
Western Cape Schools Athletics chairman Brandon Duplessis said the goal is to establish the event as an annual fixture.
“The aim is to make this an annual event and bring in more partners. We want to create a great atmosphere and build teamwork. There is no better time than now,” he said.
The Western Cape has recently hosted major athletics events, including the Athletics South Africa Senior Track and Field Championships, and the relay festival builds on that momentum. Stellenbosch, already known for its strong sporting infrastructure, is positioning itself as a hub for both national and international athletics events.
Beyond competition, the event reflects a broader shift in how school sport is being approached in South Africa. There is growing recognition that traditional formats may need to evolve to remain relevant, attract sponsorship, and engage younger audiences.
By combining elite and school-level competition in a single event, organisers are also creating pathways for young athletes to experience high-performance environments. This exposure could play a role in talent development and long-term participation in the sport. As the Western Cape prepares to host the event, expectations are that it could set a new benchmark for school athletics in the country, with the potential to expand beyond provincial borders in future editions.
Source: SABC Sport – Charles Baloyi.
