Spar Superstars Queensburgh News 2024

NORTHDENE Preparatory School learner Shivam Naidoo has goals of one day obtaining his South African Colours in chess.

The talented Grade Six learner was recently selected for the Durban and Districts (D&D) Chess Team.

In term one, Shivam and his school won the Queensburgh and Districts (Q&D) Chess Tournament, a feat they matched from last year.

The 12-year-old explained that his chess journey began at an early age and also touched on his recent achievement.

“I started playing chess when I was six years old. I downloaded a chess game on my iPad, and I found myself enjoying it. I learned the game of chess on my own and found I had a passion for it. I was absolutely delighted with my D&D achievement as I have worked really hard to achieve this goal. I’m also proud to wear my D&D badge.

“I play and practise chess every day to be on top of my game. I watch videos on YouTube to help me improve my game. I also play chess online which is where I get most of my practice done – on the different chess apps. My future goals for chess are to win more tournaments and get my SA Colours in chess and ultimately become a grandmaster. I would like to participate in international tournaments and follow in the footsteps of my chess heroes, Hikaru Nakamura and Gukesh Dommaraju,” he said.

Aside from chess, Shivam also plays for the school’s football team and also loves academics.

“I study and work very hard throughout the year which has resulted in me being the top student of Grade Four and Grade Five. Hopefully, I can achieve the same this year. I’m also pleased with my results for the mid-year exams. I have scored 100% in maths, geography, history and creative arts,” he said.

He added that his greatest support system is his parents.

BRIGHT spark Alehra Naicker is constantly looking for ways to improve anything she does, whether it be sports or academics.
The Grade Six learner at Malvern Primary only achieves As and has placed first in her class since Grade One. She says that revising her work daily is what helps her stay on top of her game.
“Maths and history are my favourite subjects. I love problem-solving and patterns. With history, I love learning about events from the past. I find both subjects very interesting,” she said.
She says she owes her wit to her dad who is a doctor and is very intelligent, too.
“I take after my dad for sure. He is also good at maths, so I guess that’s where I get it from,” she added.
Apart from academics, Alehra also has an artistic and sporty side. In her spare time, she likes to draw and colour. She also enjoys swimming and participates in galas.
“I have strong will and determination to always want to get better at whatever it is I try. When I first started running, I came last. I didn’t see it as failure but as a means to learn how to push myself to get better. The next time I ran, I placed fourth. I love improving myself,” she said.
Alehra said she has aspirations to be a marine biologist or astronomer.

MEKAYLA Henderson has been making waves in the sport of swimming.

She attends West Park School which caters for learners with intellectual challenges.

This year, she has proven her mettle at two swim meets, the first being the Umlazi District Swimming Trials in January.

Mekayla then competed at the South African Schools’ Para Swimming Champs, which was a national gala at Kings Park Swimming Pool.

She won nine medals at the competition, which included three gold.

“It felt amazing being part of the competition as I had never competed in one before. I loved being a part of it all. Winning nine medals wasn’t something I had planned on doing, but I was shocked, amazed and happy at the same time. The support from my school and my family also made it a proud moment for me. I hope to continue to improve my swimming, and I feel my coaches (Amy and Hayden) have helped me excel. I also try where I can motivate other learners to swim, as well,” she said.

Aside from swimming, Mekayla enjoys playing netball.

Her favourite subject at school is creative arts.

Sports coordinator at the school Hayden Pillay said he was proud of her.

“The SA Schools’ competition was a week-long event, and the weather wasn’t good at all. That did not stop Mekayla, and to watch her compete and excel was a privilege. I feel she is a beacon of light to the younger learners, and I hope she inspires others to take up sport,” he said.