Vryheid Swimming Club celebrated its swimmers’ hard work and achievements at the annual general meeting held at Hoërskool Pionier on September 21, while also looking ahead to the new season and improvements to the school’s swimming pool.

Carli Eybers named Swimmer of the Year

The meeting included the presentation of trophies and scrolls to swimmers who stood out during the 2025/26 season, recognising their dedication and progress in the pool.

Club chairperson Denise Grobler thanked the swimmers for their efforts throughout the season and the parents for their ongoing support.

Carli Eybers was one of the season’s top performers, taking home several awards, including Most Versatile Swimmer, Senior Girls Champion, Girls Champion and Swimmer of the Year.

She also represented South Africa Schools and achieved sixth place nationally in the 50m freestyle for her age group.

Marnus Pretorius also enjoyed a successful season, earning awards in the 50m freestyle, 200m freestyle, 50m butterfly and 100m butterfly. He was named Senior Boys Champion.

Swimmers recognised across age groups

Other swimmers recognised for their performances included Kaylie van der Linde, who received the Junior Girls award, and Petrus Eybers, who was named Junior Boys Champion.

Izelda Meyer received the award for Best Up-And-Coming Swimmer in recognition of her improved times, while Estiaan Weitz was recognised for junior boys’ butterfly.

Theo Roelofz received the award for boys under-15 50m backstroke, Fritz van Niekerk for boys under-11 50m backstroke, Danelle Carsten for girls under-16 50m backstroke and Reinhard Meyer for 100m breaststroke.

Kaylie was also recognised for girls’ butterfly.

The club congratulated all the swimmers on their achievements and encouraged them to continue working towards their goals in the coming season.

Pool upgrades support swimmers and coaches

The club continues to support swimming at Hoërskool Pionier by providing lane ropes, maintaining a clean pool, and making flags and scheduled swimming times available to coaches and community swimmers during the swimming season, which runs from October to April.

Several improvements have also been made to the pool facilities. A generous donation from a local business helped fund major upgrades to the pool infrastructure, while Cilliers Contractors completed additional work, including installing a new roof on the pump room.

A timer was also installed to help monitor electricity usage.

Hoërskool Pionier received new starting blocks and lane ropes, along with improvements to the garden.

The club expressed its appreciation to everyone who contributed towards these projects, including those who provided financial support, materials, services and their time. Their contributions have helped improve the facilities for swimmers and coaches.

New season brings galas and competitions

With the new swimming season underway, members also discussed preparations for upcoming galas and competitions.

The proposed date for the Zululand Schools Gala is January 30, 2027, while the Midmar Mile is scheduled for February 13 and 14. The date for the KZN Provincial Schools Gala has yet to be confirmed.

Membership fees for the 2026/27 season have been set at R2200 per swimmer, payable in two instalments if preferred. Payment is required before registration in October.

Swimmers and one official per household must be registered, and swimmers must be registered with KwaZulu-Natal Swimming at least two weeks before taking part in a gala.

Committee members confirmed for new season

Barbara Scheepers was elected as records officer, while the existing committee members will continue in their roles.

Grobler remains chairperson, with Jeanne Weitz continuing to manage the club’s banking alongside her. Rentia Pretorius serves as secretary, Daylene Theron represents school coaches, and Susan and Danie Marais remain the safety officers.

Weitz and Chantelle van der Linde will continue managing the club’s marketing and Facebook page. Promo Direct has been appointed to distribute the club’s swimming apparel, with parents encouraged to place their orders well in advance.

Grobler also wished two club members well as they prepare to leave Vryheid for other provinces or schools outside the area.

The meeting ended on a positive note, with the club looking forward to another season of swimming, competition and development, supported by its swimmers, families, coaches and the wider community.

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.