Hoërskool Riebeeckrand High School staged an exciting Interhouse Athletics Day, bringing together learners not only from Riebeeckrand but also from Hoërskool Bastion and Leeuwenhof Akademie in a spirited display of athleticism, teamwork and school pride.

The day, held on the school’s sports grounds, featured a full programme of track and field events that tested learners’ speed, stamina, strength and co-ordination. Sprinters dashed down the straights, while field athletes showcased skills in long jump, shot put, high jump and javelin disciplines, all cheered on by enthusiastic classmates, parents and teachers.

Learners competed not just for individual honours, but also for school bragging rights, adding a collective team dimension to every event. Participants showed remarkable determination, preparation and belief in their performances, with each race, jump and throw contributing to the lively and competitive spirit of the day.

This was the first interhouse athletics event Riebeeckrand has hosted in a long time.

The newly minted sports manager, Matt Snyman, said a lot of planning went into the event.
“In terms of getting the fields ready and liaising with the other schools, credit also has to go to the principal, Mr Myburgh, who worked hard to get the right people in the right places,” Snyman said.

The day was more than just a sporting event; it was an opportunity for learners from neighbouring schools to connect, compete and build friendships beyond the classroom. Learners, teachers and families gathered to encourage one another, creating a vibrant and supportive atmosphere that underscored the values of respect, perseverance and unity.

Simone Mellet, whose daughter Dine was competing in the discus, shot put, and javelin events, where she placed third in the first two events, said, “School children need to have a balance between academics and sport as this will help in their growth and development.”

Learners such as Marcel van den Berg and Marko Labuschagne from Riebeeckrand competed in the shot-put and javelin events. The two athletes stated how excited they were to showcase their skills and compete with their peers from neighbouring schools.

Colin Waller and Jeanelise van der Merwe from Leeuwenhof Akademie said they felt like champions after competing in and winning the 800m race and 100m hurdles, respectively. Also on the field was Schalk van Rooyen from Bastion, who was the highlight in the high jump event, where he hit his personal best jump of 1.78m, with everyone in the stands cheering him on.

Overall, Snyman said the Interhouse Athletics Day was a resounding success, leaving participants inspired and eager for future sporting challenges as the 2026 season unfolds.