The St Stithians Girls’ College first water polo team won the Old Mutual Roedean Prestige Cup and are using the prize money to continue their work for Hearts of Hope and the Learn-to-Swim programme.
The team has performed exceptionally in their last season. In 12 tournaments they won nine gold medals, a silver and achieved two fourth places. Recently, they won the Reef Cup and the Old Mutual Roedean Prestige Cup. Their win at the Prestige Cup is their third win in a row at this tournament.
“This was a fantastic result for us considering the quality of the opposition participating in the tournament,” said Pierre Le Roux, who is the master-in-charge of water polo at St Stithians Girls’ College and the first team coach.
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“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 the gold for the third time.”
Natasha Panzera, director of sport at the college added that the win was a step in the right direction for building a consistent and successful water polo programme at St Stithians.
“The win was never important to the team,” said Le Roux.
“Being competitive against top opposition is what we strive for. The reality is that there are many good teams and individuals out there. The challenge we face is to play our best and to be competitive with the best when in the water.”
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 at their partner school. St Stithians is involved with Hearts of Hope and the Learn-to-Swim programme, which will receive the prize money.
“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,” said Panzera.
“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.
“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.”
St Stithians College is very proud of the achievements of this team including the coaching staff and supportive families.
Details: St Stithians College 011 577 6000
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St Stithians hosts the biggest water polo splash of the year
St Stithians Girls’ College water polo first team lands another gold
