Swimmers' celebratory splash after a successful year

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GEORGE NEWS - Swimmers of Garden Route Swimming School (GRSS) and their families started the weekend with a masked gala awards ceremony on Friday evening 31 May.

This highlight on the school's social calendar was well attended and, as always, the children and parents had a splendid time. The function was held at the DR Church Blanco.

Head coach Franna Vorster gave a heartfelt speech on growth and development as a swimmer and individual.

"All people think, feel, and choose in unique ways; and everyone defines their own meaning of success," said Vorster. "Garden Route Swimming School aims to help people get to that place where they are successful in all the key areas and to make a change in their life to live a fantastic life and be filled with success."

PHOTO GALLERY - Gala awards ceremony for Garden Route Swimming School

Vorster said they look back at an extremely successful season.

"We want to reward our swimmers for their dedication and hard work during the 2023/2024 season. We handed out 44 trophies to make sure that our swimmers and athletes are recognised at every level. "

Level 1 swimmers Photo: Deidre Cloete

"Certificates and gifts were handed over to every swimmer who attended the function because every dear swimmer has achieved success in one or other phase of their life. We are very grateful to all our loyal supporters, sponsors and customers and realise that every new day is just a day of grace."

The two swimmers crowned for Best Overall Performance are Renier van Greunen and Minke Janse van Rensburg.

Minke is also a Multi-Class Down syndrome swimmer, along with Lochner Bekker and Savanna Haselau. They are coached by Vorster and his son, Josua Vorster. "Lochner started swimming six months ago and learns incredibly quickly," said Franna Vorster.

Minke and Savanna both participated in the World Down Syndrome Swimming & Artistic Championships in Antalya, Turkey.

The swimmers who represented GRSS at national level are, from left: head coach Franna Vorster, Damian Smith, Wido Rudolph, coach Dirco Nienaber, Renier van Greunen, Carlo Bezuidenhout, Josua Vorster and Malan Lehnberg. Photo: Deidre Cloete