Another Successful Telkom Stand Tall Clinic Completed
On the 23rd of June, Nellmapius Secondary School became the vibrant backdrop for a memorable event as it played host to the final Telkom Stand Tall clinic, with SPAR Protea player, Izette Griesel leading the charge in empowering upcoming netball players in Pretoria.
This fun and activity-filled clinic aimed to provide aspiring netball players with invaluable coaching, guidance, and inspiration to improve their netball skills and take their talents to new heights. The event, in partnership with Telkom, saw an exceptional turnout of 23 aspiring netball players make their way to the school to learn from one of South Africa’s greatest netball players.
Izette Griesel, a talented SPAR Protea netball player will be representing South Africa at the 2023 Netball World Cup being hosted in Cape Town from the 28th of July to the 6th of August. Griesel’s passion and love for the sport of netball is evident through the determination and consistency she brings when she is on the court.
Not only is she a renowned netball player on the court, but off the court Griesel is a primary school teacher at a local school in Pretoria. At only 30-years of age, she has become a role model for aspiring athletes, taking her role as a mentor seriously while ensuring that children from different walks of life have equal opportunities. Izette, as an arts and crafts teacher, is also dedicated to nurturing her student’s creativity and their characters, encouraging them to channel their unique abilities into traits that will empower them in the present and in future.
Griesel expressed her enthusiasm for the netball clinic, stating, “I am honoured to be a part of this initiative and have the opportunity to share my passion for netball with these talented young girls. Through hard work, dedication, and the love for the game, they can achieve extraordinary things. I hope to instill in them the values of perseverance, teamwork, and self-belief that has driven my own success.”
Her former varsity netball coach, Jenny Van Vyk, also formed part of the clinic and took the time to share her advice, knowledge, and skills with the children on the day. Van Vyk has played an important role in Griesel’s career, having also coached her at the Gauteng Jaguars where they have gone to win the Telkom Netball League a record of five times.
Reflecting on the event, Van Vyk said, “It’s incredible to witness the impact that sport can have on young lives. The clinic not only provided essential skills and knowledge, but it also nurtured a sense of confidence and camaraderie between the youngsters. I am proud to be a part of Izette’s journey and growth. I now look forward to witnessing these young athletes grow into exceptional individuals.”
The netball clinic exemplifies the power of sport in uplifting communities and shaping future generations. The clinic stands as a testament to the huge impact that can be achieved through sport, mentorship, and the unwavering belief in the potential of every individual.
Through the Stand Tall netball clinics, Telkom gave their four ambassadors; Bongi Msomi, Tshina Mdau, Khanyisa Chawane, and Izette Griesel, the opportunity to share their netball stories in the hope of inspiring and encouraging aspiring netball players to continue to reach their goals and to fight for the future they want. Each ambassador had the chance to pass on their knowledge and skills to younger netball players in their respective communities.
Telkom’s commitment to youth development is further evidence of their dedication to supporting young athletes on their journey to success. As the Stand Tall campaign continues to inspire, this netball clinic has set the stage for countless dreams to take flight and for the spirit of resilience to stand tall in every heart it touches.
The Stand Tall is an initiative that aims to encourage young athletes to embrace their unique abilities, overcome challenges, and strive for success. The campaign emphasizes the importance of determination, resilience, and teamwork in achieving personal and collective goals both on and off the court.
