In an emotional ceremony between the 1st and 2nd team games between Westville Boys High and Jeppe High School recently, Westville team members handed over one of their rugby jerseys with the letters KB on the back to the school.
The gesture, being hailed as a “classy touch” was in commemoration of the passing of Jeppe High school second team player Kaiden Bowie.
Bowie, 16, a Grade 11 pupil at Jeppe died suddenly on March 5 after playing a pre-season rugby fixture at Hoerskool Die Anker in Brakpan.
The school, at the time, in a statement, had said that there was no evidence to suggest that the player had sustained an injury or reported any issues during the fixture.
Taking to Facebook to thank Westville Boys High, Kaiden’s father Brendon Bowie said they were grateful for the support.
“We, as Kaiden’s parents – myself and my wife can only say thank you for this gesture. We are beyond grateful for the continued support during this trying time. We have fond memories of our hosting of Westville boys from previous visits and your school is an exceptional example of brotherly love. Please know that our well wishes and thanks go out to all who made this moment possible,” read the statement.
Westville Boys High responded saying they were “deeply moved”.
“We are deeply moved by your heartfelt words and are grateful for your appreciation. We are honoured to have had the opportunity to support your family. Our thoughts and prayers are with you, and we are here for you every step of the way. Sending love from the Westville Boys’ Family,” read their statement.
Other parents also expressed their feelings over the gesture on social media.
Jacqui Vermaak said Westville (Boys High) had impressed her.
“Westville impressed me so much. Their respect, sportsmanship and ‘gees’ was incredible. Not just the school boys, but the old boys who were there to support their school too. This incredible gesture in honour of Kaiden moved me to tears. What a truly wonderful school,” she said.
Mark Jenkins said “touch of class, right here. Well done, Westville Boys”.
Alistair Leukis said “respect to Westville and the gesture is a classy display of all the boy school’s brotherhood”.
