Magazine 2017

Softball It is encouraging to see how the participation of the Grade 1 and 2 girls increases every year at the softball practices. Introducing the girls to a new sport at a young age provides them with the opportunity to develop their skill levels in a non-competitive environment whilst having fun. The U/9 girls have thoroughly enjoyed their first year of competitive matches. The girls have attained good results and have learned to play well as a team. Our Senior Preparatory girls have displayed excellent batting skills throughout the season. They have displayed sportsmanship when facing their opponents, and their dedication has certainly made them a strong force to be reckoned with. Water Polo This sporting code is certainly very popular amongst our boys and girls. Our new water polo pool has provided us with a beautiful facility and training venue, and we look forward to hosting many events. We have established relationships with participating schools in the Southern Suburbs, and have entered the water polo league. As the sport continues to grow, we are confident of increasing success and the building of formidable teams. Swimming Our swimmers enjoyed an exciting swimming season. The Grade One and Two swimmers spent time improving their basic strokes and techniques. The Junior Preparatory Fun Gala was a highlight of the year, with the opportunity to put newfound swimming skills to use. The coaches also witnessed enormous improvements in both ability and confidence. The Senior Preparatory swimmers enjoyed the chance to compete for house points at their interhouse swimming gala. The top eight swimmers from each stroke and age group had the honour of swimming for the very first time in our new Senior Preparatory Pool, achieving six record breaking events. The Preparatory entered numerous interschool galas and also played host to a few, including the Störzner Cup Gala, Bridge House Sprint Gala and the Bridge House Relay Gala. Our swimming team was placed second in the Störzner Cup Gala, and received thirty- five top three placings at the event. We are exceptionally proud of our swimmers who have truly dedicated themselves to the sport and have shown increasing technique, skill and sportsmanship. Tennis It remains our goal to offer effective coaching techniques in the beginners’ tennis sessions, thus developing a love for the sport and ensuring the growth and depth thereof. Our squad tennis teams performed extremely well this year with a high percentage of wins recorded in league tennis matches. While our teams strive to continually improve their techniques and individual playing levels, much focus is also placed on applying a more tactical approach to their game. The commitment and dedication of the squad members who attended the early morning training sessions was reflected in their results throughout the season. Our tennis structures have also allowed a challenge system through trials and play-off matches, which affords the opportunity for more players to participate and progress up the tennis ladder. Cross Country and Running Club Our athletes enjoyed the challenges of the weekly cross country meetings. The learners improved their overall running skills in endurance, fitness, strength and speed over the course of the semester. They competed on various terrains, proving to run successfully over slopes, hills and uneven turf. Congratulations to all our athletes who participated and finished their races, especially those who recorded Top 10 finishes. 14. 15. 16. 14. Softball practice has never looked so good 15. Running the line on our "royal" tennis courts 16. Ahead of the rest. Go team Parklands! 57 www.parklands.co.za