Vryheid Swimming Club held its annual general meeting (AGM) and prize-giving on Monday last week at the DLV Boardroom. The event was well attended by swimmers, parents, club officials and supporters, all eager to celebrate another year of dedication, achievements and community support.

The AGM covered a range of important topics that reflect the club’s ongoing commitment to growth and sustainability. The topics included:

Training facilities: The club continues to use the pools at Vryheid High School and Hoërskool Pionier for training. While these facilities are serving the club well, discussions were held around improving accessibility and availability for club activities. The club is so very thankful towards VUKA Timbers for the donation to upgrade the buildings and equipment that is used. Cilliers Contractors contributed by independently completing improvements, and their work is of a high professional standard.

Financial situation: The club’s finances were presented and discussed. While operating within a tight budget, the club expressed gratitude for ongoing support from sponsors and the community. Efforts to maintain financial sustainability remain a priority.

Club officials and coaching development: The need for more qualified officials remains a concern. All parents are encouraged to become involved, especially as timekeepers and judges. Encouragingly, the Vryheid coach is currently completing Level 1 coaching training – a step forward in developing local talent and expertise.

Safeguarding officers: The meeting welcomed the election of Danie and Susan Marais as the new safeguarding officers. Both have successfully completed their competency certificates, and are now formally recognised in their roles to promote a safe and inclusive environment for all swimmers.

Kingspark pool unavailable: It was confirmed that the Kingspark swimming pool remains unavailable for hosting galas until construction and renovations are completed. Alternative arrangements will continue to be made for gala events.

Zululand gala success: Vryheid Swimming Club proudly hosted a successful Zululand Gala in January. The event was well organised and attended, showcasing the strength of the local swimming community and the club’s capacity to host large-scale events.

Recognising excellence in the pool:
* During the prize-giving, trophies were awarded to swimmers based on their best recorded times and the official 2025 rankings as published on the SA Swim website.
* Trophies and scrolls were handed to the relevant swimmers.
50m Free – William Laing;
200m Free – Marnus Pretorius;
50m Fly – Marnus Pretorius;
100m Fly – Marnus Pretorius;
Boys Jnr Fly – Estiaan Weitz;
Boys’ U/15 50m Back – Theo Roelofz;
Boys U/11 50m Back – Petrus Eybers;
Girls’ U/16 50m Back – Mia Pienaar;
100m Breast – Reinhard Meyer;
Girls’ Fly – Kaylie van der Linde;
Veelsydigste Swemmer – Nadelija Pillay en Jessica Steyn;
Beste Opkomende Swemmer – Kara Willemse;
Jnr Girls – Nadelija Pillay;
Jnr Boys – Petrus Eybers;
Snr Girls – Ashley Loch;
Snr Boys – Marnus Pretorius;
Dogter Kampioen – Jessica Steyn;

Swimmer of the Year – Jessica Steyn (ranked fourth in 50m Breast, and third in 100m Breast in SA for the U/11 age group).

The ceremony was a proud moment for both athletes and their families, honouring the hard work and perseverance shown throughout the swimming season.

Community and sponsorship: A special word of thanks was extended to all sponsors and community members who have generously supported the club throughout the year. Their contributions play a vital role in the continued success and growth of the club and its swimmers.

Vryheid Swimming Club looks forward to a new season filled with growth, teamwork and more record-breaking performances in the pool.

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The news provided to you in this link comes to you from the editorial staff of the Vryheid Herald, a sold newspaper distributed in the Vryheid area.