Goals & Objectives

Vision

Louis Nienaber’s vision of what he began in 2004 is now the foundation of what Boland Athletics Polevault Academy is all about: bringing pole-vault to athletes by providing access to equipment and coaching. The organisation’s goal is to develop and impact the lives of young children in order to generate healthy, active, optimistic athletes who can overcome life’s hurdles and attain their full potential not only as athletes but also as people. It is not only advantageous to the person, but it also aids in the growth and development of the sport of Pole-vault. At Boland Athletics Polevault Academy you become more than simply a member of a club; you become a member of a family. A supporting and encouraging family. A family that is there for you in good and bad times. Members are encouraged to “raise the bar”. Athletes are coached to always give their all.

Purpose

• The academy is a registered public benefit organisation that provides coaching and training to pole-vault athletes. • They help and develop underprivileged athletes who do not have access to such resources. • They also strive to develop outstanding athletes capable of competing at National and International levels.

Objective

Due to the technical difficulty and high cost of polevault, schools and universities have stopped providing facilities and poles, as well as providing training in the sport; as a result, the sport's survival in South Africa is reliant on academies like Boland Athletics Polevault Academy, which ensures athletes' maximum success and safety.

Initiatives

Pole-vault is one of the most technical track and field events as well as the most costly, due to high cost of equipment. Equipment has to be regularly maintained and replaced in order to ensure optimal success and safety of athletes. Equipment consists of static equipment such as mats, uprights and cross bars, as well as jumping equipment including poles and pole tips. The cost of one pole, depending on size, ranges between R8 000 and R23 000 and must be purchased from abroad. Over the years the founder has invested heavily in the academy, creating a library of poles that academy members can access. In addition, the founder has purchased the following assets which is used by the academy: • A selection of 300 poles of various lengths and sizes (150 of which must be replaced owing to age, wear and tear.) • Trailer 6 meter (pole carrier) • Five different mat sets (three in Paarl and two in Stellenbosch) They have also had success in many endeavours like the following: • Annual ‘30 Jumps’ – Fundraiser: Athletes make 30 jumps in a certain time period and every jump is sponsored by donors. • Street Vault: During the "Festival of Lights," they set up the equipment around town, and the athletes perform their jumps as a marketing endeavour and a fun event. • Annual Beach Vault: Every year on the 16th of December, the academy drives through to Strand and set up the equipment on the beach. All athletes receive a branded shirt and goodie bag (usually sponsored by the founder or parents) and participate on this day. The parents join the crowd to cheer on athletes. This is always a very enjoyable day. • Dux Competitions: The Academy holds regular competitions throughout the year to give athletes the opportunity to practice their skill and better their heights. • Training Camps: Training camps are annually held in Paarl. They also visit other pole-vault groups country wide to hold one-day clinics.