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In the January/February 2025 issue of CHIPS, I published an article titled “Potatoes, a sportsman’s snack” and in it, referred to how potatoes served as an energy source for runners during the Soweto Marathon. The Potatoes SA marketing team continues to be involved in sporting activities and events where potatoes can be positioned as a source of energy for sportsmen and -women. This includes netball and rugby players.
Energising rugby and netball
Sport has proven to be a great unifier in South Africa, which is clear from the way South Africans proudly support their national teams. In July this year, Potatoes SA was involved in two sporting tournaments: the annual VKB Rugby Week in Reitz where upcoming Springboks players showed their mettle, and the Clanwilliam Superspar Netball Tournament where future Karla Pretoriuses battled it out on the court.
The VKB Rugby Week in the Eastern Free State town of Reitz has been going strong for 26 years and is hosted by Hoërskool Reitz. The Clanwilliam Superspar Netball Tournament is even older, with its 48th instalment presented this year at the Kosie van der Merwe Courts at Augsburg Agricultural Gymnasium. Potatoes SA was proud to be part of both these historic events which bring communities together and contribute to the wellbeing of the future generation.
At both sporting events, young and old got to learn more about potatoes and the role it plays in the athlete’s diet.
Emphasis was also placed on how potatoes can generally be part of a healthy and active life. The pupils got an opportunity to utilise the Potato Nation Chill Zone where they could take a break from their sporting activities to compete in other relaxing games such as fingerboard, foosball, and digitally peeling a potato to try and beat the best time. The winners each walked away with a branded Potato Nation Foosball for their hostel.
In the sports world, where a lot of supplements are used during races and events, whole foods such as potatoes tend to be overlooked.
Cooked potatoes are usually used prior to a game for carbo-loading but not much during races or games where it can provide an energy boost.
This is precisely what Potatoes SA’s marketing team intends to highlight, especially to the youth.
During the Comrades Marathon in June this year, 2 000 tonnes of cooked baby potatoes were handed out to the runners, highlighting the importance and benefits that cooked potatoes can offer athletes.
Potato power for athletes
- Sustained energy: Potatoes allow for sustained energy, making them an excellent fuel source for endurance and high intensity workouts.
- Muscle function and recovery: Potatoes are naturally high in potassium, keeping muscles working properly, preventing cramps, and supporting recovery after exercise.
- Balanced blood sugar: Eating potatoes with the skin on ensures greater intake of chromium which maintains stable blood sugar levels, benefitting sustained athletic performance.
- Good for your heart: Rich in flavonoids, potassium and fibre, potatoes support heart health, which is essential for athletes. – Sheila Makgato
For more information on Potatoes SA’s sport outreaches, send an email to sheila@potatoes.co.za.