While there will be a tremendous amount of interest in the main programme at the 2026 Simbine Classic, the inaugural World Athletics Continental Tour Silver meeting on 28 April at Pilditch Stadium in Pretoria will be equally focussed on promoting grassroots development and youth participation.
Ahead of the pre-programme for national athletes, which precedes the main programme showcasing international stars, all attention will be on the initiative for sub-youth athletes to be held between 8.00am and 12.40pm.
Competing on the same track as elite professional athletes from around the world, children will have an opportunity to display their talent in a range of sprint races from 60 metres to 100 metres for kids between the U7 and U15 age groups.
Aside from various other activities, the kids’ play area will also feature a 200m track where the children can enjoy themselves before making their way to the track in the stadium to compete in their events.
More importantly, after they have participated, the youth will be able to remain in the children’s play area where they can interact with senior athletes competing in the main programme later in the day.
“This event is the first World Athletics Continental Tour Silver meeting to be held in South Africa, but our vision extends far beyond the elite programme,” said Simbine Classic founder and meeting director Akani Simbine.
“We hope to not only introduce young children to track and field athletics but to ensure they enjoy it and have a wonderful experience that they will remember.
“We are already working on this aspect of the sport through the Akani Simbine Foundation, and this sub-youth initiative allows us to continue introducing South African children to the sport of athletics.”
Held under the auspices of Athletics South Africa, the Simbine Classic will be made possible thanks to multiple partners including Avanti, BackSports, Nielsen Sports, Bidvest, Biogen, Dis-Chem and the Akani Simbine Foundation.
