MTBS

MTBS is an annual interschools athletics competition (the largest in South Africa) held between four high schools located in Bellville, Western Cape. The competition is mainly an athletics meeting and includes cheerleading and flashes.[1] These schools are: D.F. Malan High School, Tygerberg High School, Bellville High School and Stellenberg High School. [2] The name is a derived acronym from the names of the schools in that order. The first MTBS took place in 1994. This was the brain child of the late Frans du Toit, a retired teacher from JG Meiring High School in Goodwood and a part time sports journalist.[3]

MTBS
GenreSchools athletics
Date(s)February
VenueCape Town stadium and Green Point Athletics Track (Athletics)
CountrySouth Africa
Years active26
FounderFrans du Toit
Previous event15 February 2020
Next eventFebruary 2021
Participants4,000 (athletes and students on pavilion)
Attendance12,000 (Spectators)[1]

The flashes consist of each school showing theirs images while sitting on the pavilion. [4] This performance (named flashes) consists of a medley of songs during which the pupils create a "human LCD screen" on the pavilion. This is achieved by them opening and closing their school blazer at unique pre-determined moments, with each student effectively functioning as a pixel and thus allowing images and animations to be displayed. Other parts of the school uniform (such as dresses and socks) may also be used, but no other props (such as cards) are allowed. Each school' adheres to a specific theme that has been chosen by that particular school. The annual attendance is an estimated 12,000 spectators. The athletics and flashes are attended by the whole community. It receives coverage by South African newspapers Die Burger, Tygerburger and Rapport. It has also been broadcast on national television channel SABC 2.[1] Similar events exist: most notably in South Korea. Different athletics items take place throughout the day; including short distance sprints, long distance running, hurdles shot put, javelin, long jump, discus, high jump, triple jump and relay races. Two athletes from each school take part in an event, adding up to 8 athletes in each event.

Points are rewarded as follows:

  • 8th place - 1 point
  • 7th Place - 2 points
  • 6th place - 3 points
  • 5th place - 4 points
  • 4th place - 5 points
  • 3rd place - 6 points
  • 2nd place -7 points
  • 1st place - 9 points

Awards for each age group are rewarded at the end of the day.

Athletics: Flashes Best Spirit
1994 DF Malan DF Malan
1995 DF Malan DF Malan
1996 Bellville Stellenberg
1997 Bellville Stellenberg
1998 DF Malan DF Malan
1999 DF Malan Stellenberg
2000 DF Malan DF Malan
2001 DF Malan Stellenberg
2002 DF Malan DF Malan
2003 DF Malan Bellville
2004 No Competition Bellville
2005 Tygerberg No Competition
2006 DF Malan Bellville
2007 DF Malan DF Malan
2008 DF Malan Bellville
2009 DF Malan Stellenberg
2010 DF Malan Stellenberg
2011 DF Malan Stellenberg
2012 DF Malan Stellenberg
2013 Stellenberg Stellenberg
2014 Stellenberg Stellenberg
2015 Stellenberg No Competition
2016 Stellenberg No Competition
2017 Stellenberg DF Malan DF Malan
2018 Stellenberg Stellenberg DF Malan
2019 Stellenberg DF Malan & Bellville DF Malan
2020 Stellenberg DF Malan DF Malan

From 1994 until 2016, there were only 2 categories (Athletics and Flashes) in the competition. (excl. 2004, 2005, 2015, 2016)[5] The Athletics cup is awarded to the school with the highest total score, according to the scoring system. The Flashes and Best Spirit is independently judge. If a school won both it is called "double gold". In 2017 the Best spirit category was added. If a school won all three it is called “triple gold”.[6] [7]

Times won :

School Athletics Flashes Best Spirit
DF Malan 15 9 4
Stellenberg 8 11
Bellville 2 5
Tygerberg 1

Double gold :

School Times
DF Malan 6
Stellenberg 3

Consecutive wins :

School Athletics Flashes
Stellenberg 8 6
DF Malan 7 2
Bellville 2 2

References
  1. "MTBS Info". Official DF Malan Website. Retrieved 23 June 2014.
  2. "We chat to all 4 MTBS schools ahead of the massive event". Retrieved 25 May 2018.
  3. https://bellvilleac.blogspot.co.za/2009/06/frans-du-toit-tribute.html
  4. "All cylinders firing for MTBS showdown". Retrieved 25 May 2018.
  5. MTBS Booklet
  6. Arrangements made by participating schools
  7. MTBS History
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