Guppies scoop lots of medals at annual gala
Armed with goggles and swimming caps, the Guppie Swimming Club's members participated in its 10th annual gala at Uplands Prep School's pool on March 7.
A total of 148 swimmers from White River and Mbombela participated and they ranged from adorable four-year-olds with pool noodles to confident high school pupils.
Friends and family filled the pavilion, put up gazebos and camping chairs or sat on blankets in the shade to support the swimmers.
Medals for the best participants were sponsored by Bidvest Van and Truck Rental, but everyone received a goodie bag.
Parents also added to the fun when the fittest among them participated in a parent race.
Trophy winners
Best learn to swim boy: Michael Swanepoel (White River), Ettiene Lous (Mbombela)
Best learn to swim girl: Carla Scholtz (White River), Kylie Venter (Mbombela)
Best improved girl: Faith Nyamangwende (White River), Marine Herbst (Mbombela)
Best improved boy: Diego Nunes (White River), Joellin Mulder (Mbombela)
Junior victrix ludorum: Liza Victor and Milche Mulder
Junior victor ludorum: Terblanche de Kock
Senior victor ludorum: Jakobus Terblanche
Senior victrix ludorum: Noelle McDonald
Best junior Guppie girl: Carolien Pienaar
Best junior Guppie boy: Terblanche de Kock
Best senior Guppie girl: Jamie-Lee Cullen
Best senior Guppie boy: Dylin Mulder.
The Guppies have had a very successful season with the most medals ever won and several records broken at top galas.
The club’s gala was, however, not to celebrate the end of the swimming season. A group of Guppies will head to the SAs this month: Ronin Melman, Dylin Mulder, Giano dos Santos, Beon Pienaar, Terblanche de Kock, JP Visagie, Jamie-lee Cullen, Eva Steffensen, Carolien Pienaar, Magdaleen Terblanche, Danielle van Zijl, Emma Edmonson, Emma Briggs and Milche Mulder.
Coach Nelia Pienaar wishes them all good luck in their endeavour.
View a gallery of the event here.
