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PREPARATORY FACULTY SPORT
OVERVIEW
Gareth Knott, Head of Sport
2013
h
as been another busy sporting
year at Parklands College
Preparatory. We have seen a
large increase in our overall numbers, and our fields,
courts and swimming pool have been home to numerous
sporting events. We are very proud of our two new
sporting codes, cross country and waterpolo, which are
already favourites with some of the learners.
Our summer season has been a busy one, with
athletics in the early mornings and cricket matches in the
late afternoons. Our winter codes have been challenging
in the cold, wet weather. We are proud of our young
learners and congratulate them on a successful year, not
only in their results, but also in the commitment they
have shown to their codes. Our boys and girls have
displayed good sportsmanship throughout the year, a
characteristic we encourage above all on our Parklands
sports fields.
Our sporting programme would not be possible
without our skilled team of coaches and managers. A
great deal of work has gone into the managing of the
various codes, and we are indebted to them for their
ongoing dedication.
We look forward to an exciting 2014 and continued
sporting success at Parklands College.We extend our
congratulations to the following sportsmen and women
on their achievement of provincial colours in the various
sporting codes:
Jared Mandelstam –WP/SA Karate
Jean-Michelle de Blanche –WP Gymnastics
Gregory Bunn –WP Gymnastics
Skye van Straaten –WP Show Jumping
Daniel Liam Stewart –WP Martial Arts
Jade Turnbull –WP Gymnastics
Ryan Baines –WP Tennis
Euan Groenewald –WP Swimming
Gareth Gehlig –WP Baseball
CassidyWilson –WP Show Jumping
Darian Naidoo –WP Cricket
ATHLETICS
Candida Crawford, Head of Athletics
The athletics season for 2012/2013 commenced in October with our
Interhouse Sports Day. It was an enjoyable day and our first on the Senior
Preparatory School campus. Most children enthusiastically supported the fun
filled event. The competition between the four houses was stiff, parents not only
eagerly cheered them along, but also took part in a rather competitive parents’
race.
The top two athletes in each of the Interhouse events went through to the
Interschools that took place in early February at the Tygerberg Athletics Track.
Despite the driving rain, our athletes performed exceptionally well with many
making it through to the next round in Bellville. As the best from each round
of the athletic events are chosen, the level of competition quickly increases. The
Northern District Competition went smoothly.
Our athletes made our College very proud.
The athletics code demands hard work and
dedication, and all the athletes practise twice a
week in the mornings from 7am. They rotate
through sprints, long distance, shot put and
long jump and get a chance to improve their
overall fitness in all the events. If an athlete
has been chosen to participate in one of the
athletic events, they have an extra practice
specialising in their event with the relevant
coaches.
All our athletes and our array of skilled
coaches are to be congratulated on their
perseverance and positive attitude this
season. It has been a pleasure to work
with one and all.
CHESS
Mia Grundlingh
Friday afternoon chess lessons have
proved to be an exciting period for
learners, as they are faced with numerous
riddles and puzzles during the game.The
concept of anticipating an opponent’s move,
and quickly devising alternative moves is
part and parcel of the game.
The learners were taught various strategies, tips and techniques to
clinch a quick victory over their opponents. Initially, the chess players
seemed somewhat reserved and uncertain about their own abilities.
However, within a few weeks and with increased practice, they soon
became confident and assertive players. The players took to the
chessboards with enthusiasm and a genuine desire to win. Even if
the matches did not always culminate in a victory, the players were
challenged with the manner in which they accepted a loss.
Weekly chess tournaments were scheduled where players were
able to test their acquired skills. The tournaments strive
to give the players much exposure to
match situations
by participating in
these events, they
also come across
their peers who
share the same
