Riverview pupils and staff show team spirit on field

With lively support from their friends, several athletes from Riverview Prep in Malalane broke school records at the interhouse athletics on Thursday.

Lad Mnisi set a new record for the 150 metres, Daniël Sassenberg and Lucy James for the 1 200 metres, Ruby James for the 1 500 metres and Simoné Cronjé for the high jump in their separate age categories.

The day started off with cloudy weather and a bit of rain, but by mid-morning, athletes had to keep to the shade and stay hydrated due to the heat and humidity.

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The school’s two houses, the blue-clad Rollers and the Hornbills in red, competed to earn the most points and marched onto the field in high spirits. At the end of the day, the Rollers emerged as the winners.

Parents eagerly awaited the sprint races by Riverview’s preschool pupils and the adorable toddlers did not disappoint. Although some looked a little confused as to what they were supposed to be doing, others smilingly ran as fast as they could to mom or dad waiting at the finish line.

The most courageous moms and dads entertained their children and staff by competing in the traditional parents’ races.

The pupils and staff exhibited the beautiful Christian spirit of Riverview by jogging or walking with athletes who struggled to complete the last lap or two of the long distances. Spectators and pupils in their bright team colours also cheered everyone on from the sidelines.

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The top four athletes of the day were Natalia Paul (junior victrix ludorum), Andrew Faria (junior victor ludorum), Nova Sutherland (senior victrix ludorum) and Lad Mnisi (senior victor ludorum).

The best athletes in each item were selected to represent Riverview in the athletics competitions in the region over the next few weeks.