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VWSA OEM Challenge
From L-R Front Row: Buyile Gqubule (Manager: PeoplePavilion), Plaatjie Damons (Chairman: VWSA Athletics), Deon Borchjes (Chairman: General Sports Council), Khanyisa Kila (Captain: Netball), Gary Williams (Captain: VW Masters Soccer), Nkosinathi Clay (Chairman: VWSA Internal Soccer League). From L-R Back Row: Nathi Mokoena (Captain: First Soccer Team), Christo de Jager (Captain: Golf Team), Mzoli Kweta (Captain: VW Second Soccer Team).

It was a battle of the OEM’s during Heritage Day weekend where the OEM Challenge pitted Volkswagen against Mercedes Benz at the PeoplePavilion in Uitenhage. The bi-annual challenge was won by Mercedes Benz in 2015, and this year the Volkswagen teams had something to prove, so they gave everything they had and made sure the trophy stayed in Uitenhage!

Contested over seven disciplines namely, Soccer, Angling, Golf, Athletics, Indoor Cricket, Netball and Volleyball, the Volkswagen teams scooped 12 of the 18 points. Mercedes Bens gave a strong showing in Athletics and Indoor Cricket but Volkswagen dominated in all the other sporting codes.

The weather did not play along at the start of day one but showed significant improvement as the day progressed. Despite this, the Challenge still attracted over 2000 sports fans that came to support their friends, colleagues and loved ones.

“Over 1 100 Volkswagen employees participate in 17 sporting codes and it was encouraging to see many of them representing Volkswagen at the OEM Challenge. Well done also to Mercedes Benz who put up a strong front in what is becoming a key sporting event in our company’s calendar.” said Thomas Schaefer, Volkswagen Group South Africa Chairman and Managing Director.

Opened in December 2013, the PeoplePavilion has welcomed over 340 000 visitors. The PeoplePavilion caters for over 10 sporting codes, events and has a gym, thus allowing teams to practice, stay healthy and hone their sporting skills. With 17 sporting codes in total offered at Volkswagen, the VWSA General Sports Council consisting of employees from all levels with a passion for sport, worked hard to put Volkswagen’s sporting programmes on the map.

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Alan Straton

Chief Cook, Bottle Washer and Broom Mechanic at MyPE
Passionate about Port Elizabeth and definitely NOT packing for Perth. Alan's ethos is epitomised in the words of Nelson Mandela; "I have fought against white domination and I have fought against black domination. I have cherished the idea of a democratic and free society. If need be, it is an ideal for which I am prepared to die." See more articles by Alan.