Greenville Primary pupils hit a bullseye with the school’s darts teams making it two for two at a recent interschools tournament.
The Bethelsdorp-based school beat dozens of competitors to win the overall title, while its second team also rose to the occasion claiming the plate final.
The first team won the coveted cup final by beating Sapphire Road Primary after trumping Parkside Primary in the semifinal.
Greenville acting principal, Veronica Martin, said she was exceptionally proud of her pupils for their dedication and overall improvement in both the sport and academically.
“The playing of darts helps the children a lot in their school work. We can see they have improved in their work.
“Especially their maths has shown a vast improvement. Their ability to listen is also better.”
Martin said despite the dilapidated state of the school, its staff and pupils remained resilient and had managed to overcome several challenges.
“The school is in ruins. But we as the teachers and you as the scholars are not broken,” she said while addressing them.
“There is lots of love among us.
“If you look at the sea you notice that it is blue and beautiful.
“But there comes a time when the sea is rough and dirty. But deep under the water there are beautiful pearls.
“This [Monday] morning when I look at you children, I see those pearls.
“Greenville was for seven years underperforming but the Lord has been good to us.
“Eight of our kids must go write a test at Westview for possible acceptance.
“We must rise above our circumstances. If you see someone in school does not have bread, share with them.
“Show love to one another.”
Greenville’s darts coach, who is also the convener of the sport for northern areas primary schools, John van Vuuren, said he was immensely proud of the teams’ performances.
Each team consisted of four players made up of both boys and girls.
“When we started with darts at the school at the beginning of 2024, the kids were really raw and couldn’t really throw a dart.
“But I saw potential in them and we persisted with practising. I encouraged them and told them success is near.
“They learnt very quickly. We practised every break and after school.
“It didn’t take long for them to master the art of darts.
“They are not yet perfect or professional players, but they give a good account of themselves.
“Last week, I could literally cry when they took the honours at Strelitzia Primary School in Extension 31.”
He said he hoped to expand the darts programme across more schools.
“I now want to introduce darts maths at the school. It will help the kids tremendously with their mathematics.
“More learners can participate. I want to get the whole school involved.
“The camaraderie among the two teams was something to write home about. They were really motivated.”
One of the young players, Tristan Bowers, said it was great to be part of a darts team.
“I enjoy it very much and it made me a better person.
“It is nice to play in the competitions and our coach is fantastic.”
His teammate, Seth Plaatjies, echoed his sentiments and said darts had changed his life.
The Herald
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