Curro Podium Grand Finale: A Celebration of School Athletics
10 February 2025The Curro Podium Grand Finale at Pilditch Stadium in Tshwane brought together 1970 athletes, coaches, and supporters from across South Africa and Namibia for an unforgettable weekend of elite competition. Schools such as Curro Hazeldean, Curro Hermanus, Northern Academy, Woodhill College, and Curro Heuwelkruin competed fiercely against top institutions like Menlopark, Paul Roos Gimnasium, and Pretoria Boys’ High School.
With more than 50 national-level competitors in attendance, the event showcased the very best in school athletics. Curro’s Deputy CEO, Mari Lategan, described the atmosphere as a moment where ‘champions rise, records tumble, and the pure joy of athletics comes alive.’
Top individual and team performances
Tiisetso Malungane of Curro Hazeldean stood out as the Junior Boys’ Track Athlete of the Event, exemplifying the high standards of the competition. Other top performers included:
- Junior Girls' Track Athlete: Lara Stander (Paarl Girls' High School)
- Junior Girls' Field Athlete: Annabelle Blignaut (Monument High School)
- Senior Girls' Track Athlete: Tumi Ramokgopa (Prestige College)
- Senior Girls' Field Athlete: Alicia Khunou (Menlopark High School)
- Junior Boys' Field Athlete: Darius Botha (Dr Malan High School)
- Senior Boys' Track Athlete: Njabulo Mbatha (TuksSport High School)
- Senior Boys' Field Athlete: Joshua Gerber (Menlopark High School)
In the team categories, Curro Hazeldean secured second place in both the boys’ and combined teams. The top team results were:
Girls’ Team Winners:
- Menlopark High School
- Noordheuwel High School
- Paarl Girls' High School
Boys’ Team Winners:
- Menlopark High School
- Curro Hazeldean
- Afrikaans Hoër Seunskool
Combined Team Winners:
- Menlopark High School
- Curro Hazeldean
- Noordheuwel High School
Inspiration for young athletes
The introduction of primary school events added fresh energy to the programme, as athletes aged 7 to 13 demonstrated remarkable potential. This inclusion reflects Curro’s commitment to nurturing talent across all age groups.
Mari Lategan encouraged the athletes by sharing the story of Olympic silver medallist Bayanda Walaza. ‘Bayanda once stood where you are today – he stormed to victory in the 100m final at this very event, clocking an unforgettable 10.44 seconds. Look where he is now – an Olympic medallist and World Junior Champion!’
A platform for all
Mari emphasised that Curro Podium is not just a competition. ‘This is your moment. Give it your all, leave nothing behind, and most importantly – enjoy every second,’ she urged the athletes.
The event continues to grow in stature, providing opportunities for athletes from all backgrounds to thrive. ‘At Curro, EVERY child matters. And today, every athlete matters!’ Mari declared, underscoring the inclusive nature of Curro Podium.
This year’s event proved once again that Curro Podium is a platform where dreams are realised, and excellence is celebrated.
This was Curro Podium: #ExcellenceInAction.
