CBC Boksburg opens long-awaited swimming pool

Excitement and pride filled the air on May 23, as CBC Boksburg officially opened its long-awaited swimming pool, marking a historic moment for the school and wider community.

Headmaster Toby Craig welcomed guests at the opening ceremony and acknowledged the tremendous effort and support that went into making the long-promised project a reality.

“My thanks must go to the board of governors and to Lorenzo Virgili and Eduardo Domiter in particular, for helping to make this dream a reality. They were a great help, and the board supported me in implementing this ambitious and costly project.”
Craig described the new swimming pool as a long-overdue addition, emphasising the importance of swimming as a life skill.

“The fact that generations of boys matriculated from CBC having not been taught the essential life skill of swimming is unforgivable. This stops now. From now on, all CBC boys will be taught how to swim.”

But the pool’s purpose goes beyond just the school. In a city where many public and municipal swimming pools have shut down or fallen into disrepair, CBC Boksburg plans to open its facility to the wider community, particularly neighbouring under-resourced schools.

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“As an Edmund Rice school, CBC Boksburg has an obligation to provide for those in need. We will be reaching out to our neighbouring Boksburg schools, encouraging them and their pupils to come and make use of this facility and to learn how to swim. Otherwise, how will we ever see Boksburg become water safe?”

Craig stressed the need for more than just infrastructure, announcing a structured development programme to nurture swimming at the school as a competitive and recreational sport.
“Without a programme, this facility will be practically worthless. It will just become a costly water feature,” he said.

The school will ensure qualified personnel are in place to coach and train learners at every level.

“The new pool is just the first step in a larger vision. Phase two of the planned aquatic centre includes a 25m x 25m swimming and water polo pool, followed by phase three: the construction of a grandstand facility. These future developments will rely heavily on support from parents and CBC Old Boys.”

The pool joins a growing list of campus improvements under Craig’s leadership.
“When I joined the school nearly two years ago, one of my primary goals was the upliftment of the campus and the development of its facilities,” he shared. “Other recent enhancements include a state-of-the-art hockey astro, a gym facility, an upgraded library, a modern computer centre, a newly renovated hall, and the addition of two school vehicles.”

Craig concluded his speech with a message of optimism and unity.

“At this great school, if you can dream it, it can become a reality. The school has such a powerful community: its pupils, staff, Old Boys, and parents-and that allows dreams to become reality.”

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