St Stithians Girls’ College has won the Old Mutual Roedean Prestige Cup for the third time in a row and is using the money towards the Learn-to-Swim programme and Hearts of Hope.
Pierre le Roux, the first team coach said, “This was a fantastic result for us considering the quality of the opposition participating in the tournament.
“We have struggled with our domestic fixtures this term and to win a tournament with all Gauteng teams in it, is a fantastic achievement for us. The team is extremely young and we are in a building phase. So, I am pleased that the team combined well to win gold for the third time.”
Last season, the team won nine gold medals out of 12, a silver medal and two fourth places.
Their win at the Prestige Cup is their third win in a row at this tournament.
“The win is another step in the right direction for building a consistent and successful water polo programme at St Stithians Girls’ College,” says Natasha Panzera, director of sport at St Stithians Girls’ College.
As part of their prize, St Stithians won R30 000, courtesy of Old Mutual, towards a specific school development project related to swimming or water polo in their partner school.
St Stithians is involved with Hearts of Hope and the Learn-to-Swim programme, so this money will go towards that.
“The Girls’ College started a relationship with Hearts of Hope in 2016 and we have been actively involved with the organisation on various levels, not just the Learn-to-Swim programme.
“Hearts of Hope is situated in close proximity to St Stithians College and we wanted to be involved with an organisation that is within our geographical community.
It is also a very worthwhile organisation to be involved with and their need is great so we feel that we really do make a difference to them,” said Panzera.
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The Learn-to-Swim programme is a vital part of our aquatics programme here at St Stithians Girls’ College.
Not only does our programme involve Hearts of Hope but we have extended it to include other children within our school community who cannot swim.
The programme has grown and if we can be a part of saving even one life of someone who may have been vulnerable, it will be worthwhile.”
