Motorsport South Africa (MSA) has made history by scooping the top Fédération Internationale de l’Automobile (FIA) President’s Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion Award, for its work at Daniel Pienaar Technical High School in Kariega in the Eastern Cape.
The awards honours the top FIA Member Organisation for its commitment to the implementation of diverse and inclusive practices and activities that foster equitable, sustainable, and measurable change.
The FIA praised MSA's contribution to the school's motorsport initiative and for providing learners, irrespective of race or gender, with exposure to all facets of motorsport, including rallying, mechanics, and administration roles.
Daniel Pienaar is the only school in South Africa and one of just three schools worldwide to offer motorsport as an official school sport.
The sport was first introduced almost 20 years ago by Sparky Bright, who is the Chairman of the Safety and Technical Panel at MSA, alongside Jimmy Murray.
The school believes that the sport is about more School is about more than just racing; it opens doors to careers in marshalling, timekeeping, engineering, and motor mechanics.
It's also a pioneer in promoting women in motorsport with matric student Ashley Pape making strides in timekeeping at a National Championship event.
In accepting the award, MSA President Anton Roux paid special tribute to Bright and Murray.
“We are honoured to accept this significant award and thank the FIA for the privilege.
"Our work at Daniel Pienaar highlights the need to foster a work environment that promotes the inclusion of diverse experiences, perspectives, and backgrounds, and removes barriers to the advancement of under-represented groups.
"We salute all of the students and teachers at DP and encourage them to keep up the excellent work," he said.
Bright’s son, Chassen Bright (now 33), started at the school in his Grade 8 year.
He went on to become a three-time South African national and seven-time Eastern Cape Regional Karting champion and earned his South African Protea national motorsport colours.
Today Chassen works abroad in Germany as the after sales specialist for Hyundai Motorsport.
"That is what a technical school like Daniel Pienaar gives you.
"It is never just about the racing – but more about the other world of opportunities that become available like marshalling, timekeeping, engineering, motor mechanic, and other exciting careers," said Sparky.
Source: Motorsport.co.za
