Creating ripples of opportunity: Standard Bank sponsors youth water polo
Standard Bank will sponsor the South African Schools Interprovincial Water Polo Tournament, scheduled for 7–11 December 2024 in East London, Eastern Cape. The event, hosted by Buffalo City Schools Water Polo, will bring together 67 schools, 1 578 athletes, and 121 teams from nine provinces, making it the largest schools’ water polo tournament in the world.
With 421 games and high participation, this event highlights not only the vibrancy of South African youth sports but also Standard Bank’s dedication to driving growth and progress. This partnership aligns with Standard Bank’s purpose, Africa is our home, we drive her growth. Through this sponsorship, the bank aims to empower young athletes to reach their potential, build team spirit, and excel in a competitive environment. Water polo, a sport that fosters resilience, strategic thinking, and collaboration, offers young athletes valuable lessons that translate well beyond the pool.
Partnering with Dynamic Brands; one of the bank’s clients, is a prime example of how Standard Bank is a trusted business partner for growth. Dynamic Brands will turn possibilities into opportunities by showcasing their sports drink range.
The tournament will be hosted at East London’s Joan Harrison Pool complex, a prominent venue with three water polo pools. Additional matches will take place at local schools, including Clarendon High School for Girls and Selborne College.
A unique feature of this year’s tournament is the involvement of Buffalo City Municipality, another client of Standard Bank. This partnership with the municipality further strengthens East London’s profile as a hub for major sporting events and aligns with our commitment to regional development and unity. By supporting Buffalo City in their efforts to start, manage, and grow their initiatives around major sporting events, the bank reinforces its role as a financial institution that actively engages with local communities.
The tournament will also be live streamed, providing high visibility for the event, our partners, and our branding efforts. This expanded reach allows families, fans, and supporters across the country to engage with the tournament, amplifying the impact of our sponsorship. The South African Schools Interprovincial Water Polo Tournament has a rich history, dating back to the early 1970s when the idea of formal interprovincial water polo competition first emerged. Over the years, the tournament has grown from a modest gathering of a few provinces to a massive event involving thousands of participants.
Just as Standard Bank is committed to nurturing the growth of businesses and communities across Africa, we are equally dedicated to providing platforms for youth development, promoting values of teamwork, leadership, and resilience.