The countdown to the second annual News24 Forward Faster Sevens Invitational Tournament is well underway, and this year’s event promises to be more than just a rugby spectacle.
With world-class entertainment lined-up for fans of all ages, the two-day tournament in Stellenbosch will offer an unforgettable experience on and off the field.
The highly anticipated rugby sevens action, which will see the South Africa men’s sevens players in action alongside other top international talent, will be complemented by exciting entertainment zones, courtesy of tournament sponsors and associated partners including News24, Heineken Beverages, Standard Bank, and Unitrans.
Le Roux Conradie, founder of the Forward Foundation and organiser of the tournament, expressed his enthusiasm for this year’s event. “We are thrilled to bring more than just top-tier rugby to Stellenbosch. Thanks to our incredible sponsors, we’ve created a family-friendly environment where people of all ages can enjoy a full weekend of entertainment,” he related.
“This tournament is about community, allowing the eight community teams to not only rub shoulders with a few of our very professional sevens players, but also make use of this chance to showcase their talent.”
Madelein Venter, general manager of subscriptions and marketing at Media24’s News division, highlighted the role of the tournament’s main sponsor, News24, in bringing this event to life. “As the leading news platform in South Africa, News24 is proud to be the title sponsor of the Forward Faster Sevens Invitational. We know our audience and our country have a passion for sport, and we believe in its uniting power. We are excited to be part of an event that brings fun, sport, and community spirit together.”
Standard Bank will bring smiles to young fans with the Standard Bank Kiddies Area, packed with activities such as face-painting, jumping castles, a ball pond, games and more. The area will be fully staffed with childminders, allowing parents to relax knowing their children are in safe, capable, and secure hands.
“Standard Bank was involved with the kiddies’ entertainment last year so getting involved again was a no-brainer,” said Theunis Duvenhage, Standard Bank’s provincial head. “We believe the Standard Bank Kiddies Zone should be a memorable and exciting experience, while providing a safe and engaging space for our younger attendees.”
For the adults the Heineken Beer Tent will offer a relaxing space with a fully-stocked cash bar in a demarcated, safe environment. This area, exclusively brought to fans by Heineken Beverages, will allow those attending to enjoy a refreshing beverage while watching the rugby action.
“Heineken Beverages has a rich cultural heritage in the Stellenbosch community, and we are proud to continue that tradition by supporting impactful partnerships in local communities,” said Charles Wyeth, enterprise development manager at Heineken Beverages. “We look forward to offering fans a premium off-the-field experience.”
Adding to the entertainment, Unitrans is empowering the Forward Foundation to take the fun to the next level. Their sponsorship will enable more family-friendly activities and special features across the tournament’s two days. One such highlight is the Unitrans Sponsored Photo-Zone, giving fans the perfect opportunity to capture memories from this exceptional weekend.
“We are excited to be part of this year’s tournament, providing families with a well-rounded and enjoyable experience,” said Edme Brink, marketing manager at Unitrans. “The partnership between Unitrans and the Forward Foundation is a longstanding one. The photo zone will be a fantastic way for fans to remember this event for years to come.”
The News24 Forward Faster Sevens Invitational Tournament will be held at the Markötter Sports Grounds on Saturday 2 and Sunday 3 November.
