It is with great pride that we gather once again to celebrate the 20th anniversary of our Easter Rugby and Hockey Festival. The festival originated in 2002 and was meant to be a one-time occurrence, little did we know then that it would evolve into the cherished tradition it has become today and now we find ourselves commemorating two decades of sporting excellence.To every one of you joining us, I extend a warm welcome. Your presence adds to the richness and vitality of this occasion, and we are thrilled to have you here as we embark on another exceptional event.
We believe that the festival offers a rare opportunity for teams to compete without the usual pressures of the season, allowing them to showcase their talents against unfamiliar opponents. We believe this fosters true sportsmanship and camaraderie, and we encourage you to embrace this spirit throughout the Festival.
A special word of thanks must go to the Golden Lions for supporting our Development Day. A special welcome is also extended to St Charles College Hockey and Hoërskool Brandwag Rugby attending the Festival for the first time. We hope your time here is filled with memorable experiences and enriching interactions with fellow participants. To all our returning visitors, we extend our gratitude for your continued support.
The success of this Festival is a testament to the meticulous pre-planning, dedication, and collaborative efforts of numerous individuals. We extend our sincere appreciation to:
• Festival Director Derron van Eeden and Ian Sim, your unwavering commitment to this event has remained constant for 2 decades.
• Festival Chairperson Neil Darroch, and the dedicated Committee comprising parents, alumni, friends of the school, and staff.
• Director of Sport, Eugene Marx, and the school staff and coaches who provide invaluable support.
• Medical professionals, including Dr. Peter Baxter, Physiotherapist Brendan During, the 1st Aid Team, and attending Chiropractors, for ensuring the well-being of our participants.
• Facilities Manager Anthon Keyter and his team for maintaining the highest standards of our playing facilities.
• The Golden Lions Referees and Umpires for their selfless dedication and commitment.To our primary sponsor, Standard Bank, and all other contributing sponsors, for their unwavering support over the years.
A special word of thanks to Opal Sports and Tiger Wheel and Tyre, who have been our partners for 2 decades. Throughout these years, your steadfast support has been instrumental in the success of our Easter Festival. Your sponsorship has not only provided financial assistance but has also served as a testament to your belief in the values and principles that our school upholds, we are profoundly grateful for the partnership we have forged.As we embark on this milestone Festival, may the spirit of sportsmanship and friendly competition prevail, creating lasting memories for all involved.DAVID LOVATT
HEADMASTER

Above: The KES team lists from the first Festival in 2002

Standard Bank is proud to once again partner with King Edward VII School for the annual Rugby and Hockey Festival.Our 12-year partnership with King Edward VII School not only demonstrates our dedication to supporting sporting excellence but also highlights the value we place on collaborations that have a positive impact on society.As a financial institution that enables growth through our presence in 20 African countries and six international centres, Standard Bank is committed to supporting initiatives that promote the holistic development of the youth.We recognise that both sport and education play an important part in nurturing the growth potential of well-rounded young people, fostering healthy competition and teamwork for a brighter future.We believe that this year’s King Edward VII School Festival will be a resounding celebration of excellence, sportsmanship, and community spirit. Standard Bank is thrilled to be part of a platform that unites communities through the universal language of sports and congratulates King Edward VII School on their 20th Festival.We wish all the participants the best of luck.Thank you.
Tshiamo Molanda
Head, Youth and Mass Market PPB SA.