The action packed PUMA School of Speed #3 heads to the Kings Park Athletics Stadium this coming Saturday, 09 February 2019 where junior track & field stars will get to follow in the footsteps of the World’s Fastest Man Usain Bolt.
Launched in November 2016, the series is committed to the development of athletics talent in South Africa by discovering the fastest young Speedsters.
“It’s been an action packed two weeks of exciting schools track & field events at the PUMA School of Speed,” says Michael Meyer, Managing Director Stillwater Sports. “The 2019 Series kicked off at the Coetzenburg Athletics Stadium (Stellenbosch) on Saturday, 26 January with the PUMA School of Speed #1, followed by the PUMA School of Speed #2 that took place at Ruimsig Stadium (Roodepoort, Johannesburg) on Saturday, 02 February 2019. The meets did not disappoint. We are excited to see what Durban’s athletes have in-store for us this coming weekend.”
“The 2019 PUMA School of Speed Series got off to a great start in Stellenbosch and Johannesburg,” said PUMA Marketing Director Brett Bellinger. “SA’s junior track & field stars had us on the edge of our seats. Witnessing the excitement firsthand is a memorable experience. We’d like to invite all Durbanites to join in on the action as we continue our search for South Africa’s fastest young Speedsters. We are proud to help grow the exhilarating sport of track & field and look forward to growing our PUMA ambassador programme in 2019.”
Junior track & field stars can look forward to meeting South African middle-distance runner and 2019 PUMA School of Speed Vice Principal, Gena Löfstrand (Durban) in the Vice Principal’s office at the stadium.
According to Löfstrand the Series is a great platform for up and coming athletes to showcase their talent and all the hard work that they’ve put into their sport. “The events are well organized, well supported and super exciting to be a part of,” said Löfstrand. “The PUMA School of Speed Series gives athletes something to work for and something to look forward to, a reason to pursue athletics. I believe that PUMA is becoming a powerful force in helping grow athletics in South Africa.”
“I’m really looking forward to the Meet in Durban on my home track,” continues Löfstrand. “I can’t wait to see some of my training partners compete. Being able to experience the same exciting vibe and support on the track that I train on every day will be special. My advice to up and coming stars is to be persistent. Anything is achievable if you work hard enough, and stay consistent. Also give yourself time, things won’t always go your way, but if you just persevere you’d be amazed by the things that you’re capable of overcoming and achieving.”
PUMA ambassador and South African Paralympic shot-putter, Tyrone Pillay will also show his support at the PUMA School of Speed #3.
“I’ve been part of the PUMA team since 2013,” says Pillay. “PUMA supported me when no one even knew who I was. Being a PUMA ambassador and being supported by the best brand in the game is a great privilege and honor. The PUMA School of Speed Series is a great initiative that is definitely needed to help identify South Africa’s young talent. I’m looking forward to seeing some great talent being unearthed from this event. My advice to juniors is to always believe in yourself and never give up on your dreams.”
Pillay’s impressive list of accolades include South Africa record holder and African record holder, gold medalist at the All-Africa Games 2015 and bronze medalist at the Rio Paralympics 2016.
EVENT INFORMATION: PUMA School of Speed #3
Headed by the World’s Fastest Man Usain Bolt, the PUMA School of Speed Series was launched in 2016 with the goal of identifying exceptional young South African athletes who believe that their future is #ForeverFaster. Junior track & field stars between the ages of 14-19 can follow in the footsteps of Usain Bolt.
| Date: | Saturday, 09 February 2019 |
| Venue: | Kings Park Athletics Stadium |
| Start Time: | 11:00 |
| Entry Fee: Athletes | No Cost to enter the event |
| Enter Online: www.schoolofspeed.com | |
| Please Note: Athlete entries close two days prior to each event. | |
| Entry Fee: Spectators | R20 / adults
R10 / children |
| Pay as you enter the stadium. | |
| Events: | 100m, 200m, 400m, 800m, 1500m, Long Jump, High Jump, 100m Hurdles (Boys 15, Girls 17 & 19 only), 90m Hurdles (Girls 15 only) and 90m Hurdles (Girls 15 only) and 110m Hurdles (Boys 17 & 19 only) |
| Age Categories: | U15, U17 and U19 |
All entrants will stand a chance to be scouted and contracted to the PUMA Squad. The contract will be for the duration of one calendar year.
Podium winners of each event final will win the following:
- 1st Place – PUMA School of Speed Tee, PUMA peak cap & category medal.
- 2nd Place – PUMA School of Speed Tee, PUMA drawstring bag & category medal.
- 3rd Place – PUMA School of Speed Tee & category medal.
The APE/ASA table will be used to determine the top 3 overall male and female athletes.
Like our Facebook page: School of Speed South Africa
Instagram: @schoolofspeed
For further information on the PUMA School of Speed please contact Stillwater Sports on 082 991 0045, via email [email protected] or visit www.schoolofspeed.com
ENDS
Issued by: NEWSPORT MEDIA
On behalf of: STILLWATER SPORTS and the PUMA School of Speed Series