Premier adds a ‘kick’ to Taekwondo at SPU’s Sport Precinct

THE SOL Plaatje University (SPU) Sport Precinct, a first of its kind in the Northern Cape, has added yet another sporting code to the long list they already have on offer.

The addition of Taekwondo to the list of sports offered at SPU’s Sport Precinct is an exciting development for both the university and the students. This move is reflective of the institution’s commitment to promoting healthy living and providing its students with a comprehensive education that goes beyond academics.

The addition of Taekwondo to the list of sports offered at SPU’s Sport Precinct is also indicative of the university’s commitment to promoting a diverse range of sports activities.

With a long list of sports activities, including soccer, basketball, netball, volleyball, hockey, and much more, adding Taekwondo to this list, means that SPU is giving its students a wider range of options to choose from and encouraging them to pursue sports activities that align with their interests and strengths. This is essential for ensuring that the needs of all students are met, seeing as not every student will be interested in traditional sports such as soccer or basketball.

By providing more options, SPU is ensuring that all students have the opportunity to participate in sports that they find engaging and enjoyable.

Taekwondo, a Korean Martial Art that emphasises speed, agility, and power, is a popular form of self-defence and, as a bonus, a great way to stay fit. The inclusion of Taekwondo in the sports programme at SPU will allow students to not only learn the techniques of the sport but also improve their physical fitness, mental discipline, and overall well-being.

The interest shown in Taekwondo was overwhelming from the start, with 150 students registering for the new sport. It is heartening to note that 80 percent of the students who registered were female, which is a significant and positive development for a sport that has traditionally been male-dominated. This demonstrates that the university is taking a proactive approach towards encouraging female students to participate in sports and promoting gender equity.

Another notable aspect of the registration is that 112 of the students who signed up are first-year students. This interest in Taekwondo among the incoming class bodes well for the future of the sport at the university.

Speaking at the launch of the Taekwondo programme at the SPU Sport Precinct, the Premier of the Northern Cape, Dr Zamani Saul, announced that he will pledge R200,000 to the Taekwondo programme to get it started so that it could grow and become a success story of the university.

Ambassador of the Republic of Korea, Chull-joo Park, told the students that he wants them to grab this opportunity to strengthen themselves, not just their physical bodies but also their minds.

“With the strong support of the Taekwondo Club and the University, it is now your turn to make a change in your life and in your community,” he said.

The president of the South African Taekwondo Federation, David Kok, said that he believes that the seeds have been planted, and the time has come to start watering those seeds.

“It is now our responsibility as the shepherds of this flock within the borders of South Africa to start nurturing these seeds and ensure that we direct each and every one onto the playing field to implement what they have learned and (move on to) where you want to see yourself,” Kok said.