On Wednesday, February 9 Charterhouse School hosted their first Inter-house Swimming Gala at their upgraded pool area.
The day marked the school’s first social event since school sport was halted by the Covid-19 pandemic.
“We’ve slowly introduced sports back and tonight is a big night for us,” said marketing coordinator Kumari Lewis.
Murray Hansen, Head of Sport at Charterhouse School told the Northsider that he was very excited to see how the swimmers dove into intense development and improvement to catch up on the two years missed due to Covid-19.
Murray has a vision for his swimming department to become a swimming powerhouse on the West Rand.
“The school introduces swimming to children from Grade 0 (ages five turning six), and the little ones look forward to their weekly swimming lessons. With the new upgrades to the pool, swimming lessons can continue throughout the year,” said Murray.
According to Charterhouse School Preparatory Principal, Desmond Zeelie, the Night Gala was an event that parents and learners needed.
“It was wonderful to see the excitement, and experience the CHAPS spirit again,” explained Desmond.
The school has introduced two new swimming programmes – ‘Development Swimming’ for children who want to take their swimming skills to the next level, and the ‘Learn to Swim Programme’ for beginner swimmers.
Charterhouse swimming coaches are on a mission to educate their teams about sportsmanship and dedication.
Coach Darren Hobson committed to a 50m butterfly race with one of the school’s top swimmers Amy O’Connor and past swimmers, Matthew O’Connor and Paige Salis.
The Charterhouse School teachers joined in the fun and participated in a relay race that entertained the parents and learners.
The school is excited about the next Gala on March 16 with participants from surrounding schools.
• Swimming record-breakers are:
Amy OConnor – 50m breaststroke for U/13 girls
Madisynn Elliott – 50m freestyle for U/13 girls
Gerhard Yang – Junior individual medley for U/10 boys, and 50m breaststroke for U/10 boys
• Top swimmers of the night:
Senior victrix ludorum – Amy O’Connor
Senior victor ludorum – Gordan Yang
Junior victrix ludorum – Chizara Anyiam
Junior victor ludorum – Gerhard Yang
