Hoërskool Rob Ferreira and White River Primary unveiled their new AstroTurf hockey field last Thursday evening.
It is situated on the grounds of Rob Ferreira.
Rob’s principal, Dawie Oberholzer, said the new facility was a dream come true. “Last year, the two schools’ governing bodies started discussing the need for an Astro field. A decision was made to tackle the project and we progressed very quickly. That’s what happens when people with passion, drive and creativity pool their resources and money. The expectations that have been created [for the schools’ hockey future] can now be tackled one by one – now the Robbies must win. When the primary school teams start practising on the Astro, we are going to have the fittest players in South Africa.”
“We broke ground on October 19, 2022, and here we stand, next to our new Astro. I would like to thank the governing bodies of White River Primary and Rob Ferreira. I don’t think we realise what we have achieved,” said Riaan Cooper, the principal of White River Primary.
Retired teacher Dries Burger, who had taught and coached hockey at Rob for
39 years, was asked to say grace. But before the attendees bowed their heads, he said a few words and choked up with emotion. “My big dream was for Rob to have an Astro, but the finances were unavailable. But I kept at it. I am grateful that the two schools united to build this dream. Thank you so much. I appreciate it.”
The two principals and the chairpersons of the two governing bodies, Werner Bester of White River Primary and Jaco Bekker of Rob Ferreira, then cut the ribbon.
After the formalities, a braai was enjoyed.
