Bestmed have been announced as the sponsor for the Western Province School of Excellence.

Bestmed have been announced as the sponsor for the Western Province School of Excellence.

The WP School of Excellence identifies talent in the U12, U15 and U17 age-groups to prepare them for action in the national U13, U16 and U18 Coca-Cola Youth Weeks.

Players are invited to trials in September every year where elite training squads are finalised.

Until the end of October, these elite squads receive gym programmes and are exposed to on-field sessions under the guidance of the Western Province Rugby High Performance Department. School coaches are appointed to mentor these players and further advise them of the programmes which focus on personal development.

DHL Western Province and DHL Stormers stars that have passed through WP School of Excellence include the likes of Eben Etzebeth, Cheslin Kolbe, Frans Malherbe, Nizaam Carr and Sikhumbuzo Notshe.

President of the Western Province Rugby Football Union, Mr Thelo Wakefield, said that the support of Bestmed as a sponsor of the WP School of Excellence will help nurture young talent for years to come.

“The Bestmed WP School of Excellence is instrumental in helping us identify elite squads of talented individuals, helping prepare them for selection to their applicable DHL WP teams that will participate in the national Youth Weeks.

“DHL WP have a proud history at the Youth Weeks, and that is testimony to the preparation and nurturing that occurs at the Bestmed WP School of Excellence.

“It is important that we identify young talent early and encourage their development. With the help of Bestmed, the WP School of Excellence will play a vital role in producing the next generation of DHL Western Province and DHL Stormers stars.

“We are proud to partner with Bestmed and look forward to a long and mutually beneficial partnership with them into the future,” he said.

Bestmed Executive of Sales, Marketing and Distribution, Chris Luyt, said that the partnership with Western Province and the School of Excellence is an exciting opportunity.

“Bestmed is proud to be associated with the WP School of Excellence. Developing talent is a long standing passion of Bestmed – an organisation owned by members and run by members.

“It is important for Bestmed to nurture and grow tomorrow’s leaders and champions. The Bestmed WP School of Excellence now has the opportunity to influence learners on the values of being active, safe, nutri-wise, fin-fit and happy.

“We would like to congratulate all of those that participated in the elite squads of the Bestmed WP School of Excellence this year the parents and schools represented. A special congratulations to all of those that graduated from the elite squads and were capped as DHL Western Province youth team players at the WPRFU capping ceremonies. We wish all the athletes and teams well in the various upcoming weeks and in their careers into the future,” he said.