65^th SACSA Easter Tournament Press Release

SACSA Tournament 2026 Kicks Off with Spectacular Opening Ceremony – 5 April 2026

The 2026 SACSA Tournament officially commenced with a vibrant and culturally rich opening ceremony, bringing together athletes from the South Africa including Namibia, Reunion Island and Swaziland, community leaders, and distinguished guests in a celebration of unity, youth development, and sportsmanship.

This year’s tournament has seen impressive growth, in the sport code of Basketball, Volleyball, Badminton, Golf and Padel. In total, we have 500+ athletes.

Basketball team featuring a total of 30 teams across multiple age groups and division, there are 7 mini teams consisting of young athletes aged 6–13, 8 junior teams in the men’s and ladies’ divisions (ages 14–17), 3 senior ladies’ teams, and 12 senior men’s teams competing in the 18+ category. The diverse participation reflects SACSA’s continued commitment to developing talent across all age groups.

The ceremony began with a proud and energetic parade as all teams marched into the venue carrying their provincial flags, accompanied by the tournament’s theme song. The moment symbolized unity, pride, and the shared passion for sport among participants from across the region.

A highlight of the event was the presence of distinguished dignitaries and community leaders. Among them were Mr. Michael Sun, a respected government legislator, Mr. Li from the Chinese Police Forum, Mr. Robin Xu, Mr. Eugene Kamson, Mr. Hau, Mr. Mohamed Sanjee, and Mr. Vincent Lin, all of whom contributed to the significance of the occasion.

The opening ceremony featured an inspiring keynote address by Ambassador Wu of the People’s Republic of China in South Africa, who emphasized the importance of sportsmanship, unity, and the positive role of the Chinese community within South Africa. His speech highlighted how sporting platforms like SACSA foster cultural exchange and strengthen community ties.

Additional remarks were delivered by Shirleen Man (SACSA Honorary President), Rico Xu, and Daniel Lee from TCA, who encouraged athletes to compete with integrity, respect, and determination while embracing the spirit of the tournament.

The audience was treated to a series of exciting performances, including a dynamic lion dance, an impressive karate demonstration featuring the breaking of wooden boards and bricks, and a lively cultural dance performance that energized the crowd.

One of the most symbolic moments of the ceremony was the torch procession. Eight selected torch bearers participated in a meaningful relay, representing the passing of knowledge and legacy from the older generation to the youth. In a dramatic finale, the torch was used to ignite a ceremonial horse structure—marking the Year of the Horse 2026—before Shirleen Man officially declared the tournament open.

With such a powerful and inspiring start, the 2026 SACSA Tournament promises to be a memorable celebration of sport, culture, and community spirit. As teams prepare to compete, the focus remains not only on victory but also on unity, respect, and the development of future champions