Isasa schools swim-off

HOUGHTON – It was Roedean School SA's turn to host the rotational Interhigh Gala swimming which saw top ten schools head to Delville for the event.

March 15, 2019

Ashtyn Makenzie 1 minute read

St Dominic's School brings along their mascot for luck at the inter-high gala event. Photo: Supplied

The best top ten Isasa schools (Independent Schools Association of Southern Africa) in Johannesburg participated in the Inter-high diving, A-Gala and Premier Gala which took place at Delville in Germiston.

Roedean School SA hosted the prestigious swimming event which is hosted on a rotational system and will host it again in the next 15years.

Swimmers observe the age-old tradition of sitting around the pool before the inter-high gala event commences. Photo: Supplied

The inter-high events were officially opened by the executive headmistress of Roedean School, Fiona Rogers and all the heads of schools were present at all three events. Promotion/relegation rules applied due to the competitive nature around swimming in girls’ schools.

St Mary’s Waverly School decides to adorn red and white for the Interhigh Gala. Photo: Supplied

Head of junior school sport and TIC swimming at Roedean, Megan Scott said, “These events are traditional school-swimming events and are highly anticipated events on the school calendar. The teams, supporters and parents arrive in their school branding and cheer the teams on with good old-fashioned war cries. The format of the gala includes a relay team event with a few individual races with records standing since 1986.”

St Teresa’s swimmers also represent their school at the gala. Photo: Supplied

According to director of marketing at Roedean School (SA) Khanya Warren, the school showed a special incentive to reward the winners of individual races with a gold cap signed by the iconic Penny Heyns.

Brescia House School carries their flag with pride at the inter-high gala event. Photo: Supplied

“Roedean School hosted Penny Heyns as guest speaker prior to the Inter-high Premier Gala to motivate and inspire the young and upcoming swimmers. Roedean top swimmer, Margaux Kemp, won her 50-butterfly individual race with a lead of 2.5 seconds ahead of the rest, and brought the gold for the school,” said Warren.

Roedean School learners cheer their mates on as they take on the swimming challenge. Photo: Supplied

She added that Roedean finished fifth overall.

Kingsmead College learners put their foot of courage forward at the inter-high gala competition. Photo: Supplied

In first place was St Stithians College who also won overall shield for aquatics. St Mary’s School came second; St Andrew’s School for Girls came third; Holy Rosary School came out fourth; Kingsmead College finished sixth; St Dominic’s seventh; Brescia House eighth; Assumption Covent ninth and St Teresa’s School 10th.