Festival showcases sporting excellence at St Andrew’s
“It’s important that players walk away having learned something while still having a good time.”
It was a weekend filled with sporting excellence when learners from across South Africa attended and competed in the Hyundai U16 St Andrew’s Hockey, Netball and Squash (SAHNS) Festival.
Hosted in partnership with title sponsor Hyundai, the festival was held at Bedfordview-based St Andrew’s School for Girls between March 21 and 23.
Established in 2022, this was the festival’s third year of showcasing sporting talent at the school level.
ALSO READ: Player proud to wear green and gold at hockey world cup
Festival organiser, head of Saint Andrew’s hockey and SA hockey player Lisa Deetlefs highlighted that this year’s festival went fantastically.
She said over the years the festival has gained momentum with this year’s festival being the largest held to date.
With 24 hockey, 24 netball and 12 squash teams participating, it was nonstop action on the courts and hockey field.
“With the support and backing of titles such as SuperSport and Hyundai, the festival has grown and school sport has gained greater publicity.”
Speaking about the need for development and support of school sports, specifically for aspiring sportswomen, Deetlefs said there is a great need for school tournaments similar to the Hyundai U16 SAHNS to be held.
“Sports events like this provide the opportunity to grow awareness and sports among female athletes,” said Deetlefs.
She explained that through school tournaments a strong foundation and understanding of sports can be built.
ALSO READ: Edenvale High’s hockey team beats Volkskool Heidelberg
Additionally, tournaments help build confidence among players and allow for talented players to be recognised by clubs.
“Although tournaments like this have an element of competition to them it is important that participants enjoyed themselves and had a good time,” said Deetlefs.
“It’s important that players walk away having learned something while still having a good time.”
CEO of Hyundai Automotive SA, Gideon Jansen van Rensburg, said it was an absolute privilege for Hyundai to partner with St Andrew’s again.
“As Hyundai, we are a family brand so supporting a festival like this one falls in line with our principles and beliefs.
Jansen van Rensburg explained that during the festival learners had the opportunity to donate hockey equipment at the school.
ALSO READ: Learners make the Eastern Gauteng Hockey team
With the festival wrapped up learners and community members still have the opportunity to donate any new or second-hand hockey equipment.
The donations can be made at Gauteng-based Hyundai dealerships until the end of May.
Jansen van Rensburg explained that the donations of hockey equipment will be donated to the Pandas Hockey Club based in Soweto.
Results from the tournament are as follows:
Hockey:
• First place – St Andrew’s School for Girls
• Second place – St Stithians Girls College
• Third place – Herschel Girls School
• Fourth Place – St Mary’s Waverly
• Fifth place – Hoerskool Noordheuwel
Netball:
• First place – Durban Girls College
• Second place – Danville Park
• Third place – St Peters College
• Fourth Place – Redhill School
• Fifth place – St Andrew’s School for Girls
Squash:
• First place – Marist Brothers Linmeyer
• Second place – St Stithians Girls College
• Third place – Egoli Squash
• Fourth Place – St Dunstan’s College
• Fifth place – St Andrew’s School for Girls
