From 27 April to 1 May, 70 pupils and six staff members from Cannons Creek Independent High School headed out for a week of elite training, fierce competition, and unforgettable team bonding. Pupils attended specialised Hockey, Netball and Squash Clinics, under the guidance of expert coaches; and played fixtures against the likes of Langenhoven Gimnasium, Hoërskool Outeniqua, and Oudtshoorn High. Some of the highlights were the Squash boys who remained undefeated throughout, the junior Hockey girls closing the tour in style by winning their last match 6-0, and visiting the Cango Wildlife Ranch where the group encountered cheetahs, crocodiles, and meerkats

Some comments:

• “Sports Tour was really fun. As a Netballer, I enjoyed watching all the hockey matches. The training sessions were really developmental and we learnt many new skills that we hadn’t learnt at school. Overall it was a really nice experience and I hope we have another tour.” – Lara Hawyn, Grade 10
• “During the hockey practices we learnt much more than the practices at school since we could have one-on-one sessions. I loved the lunches.” – Okuhle Mdingi, Grade 10.
• “It was an amazing experience especially to grow our teams and to strengthen the bonds between players. There was a lot of ‘gees’ and motivation, and everyone was supporting each other.” – Georgie Credé, Grade 10.
• “It was so good – I loved it. It was a fun experience. I enjoyed being with my friends. I got to learn more about new Grade 7s. The vibes were there, especially at the night hockey matches.” – Hayden Williams, Grade 10.
• “It was a really fun experience. It was super fun to bond with our peers and to play sport together. I really enjoyed the opportunity to go outside of Cannons. I learnt a lot of new skills that were great to implement.” – Qaylah Omar, Grade 10.
• “It brought my love for hockey back, and I learnt a lot. I interacted more with people from other grades which was nice.” – Mia Nasson, Grade 10.

Grade 10 pupil Andrew Ruiters during a Squash training session at the George Squash Club.

Grade 9 pupil Caitlyn Wong Ho attacking her opponent from Hoërskool Outeniqua during their hockey fixture.

The group of Netball girls about to play their fixture at Triumph Indoor Sports Centre in George.

Some of the boys enjoying their lunch at RocoMamas.

The entire tour group at the Cango Wildlife Ranch where the group encountered cheetahs, crocodiles, and meerkats.

The senior girls hockey team together with their opponents from Langenhoven Gimnasium.

The U17 boys hockey team during a night fixture against Langenhoven Gimnasium

Lené Middleton and Madison Beck refining some of their new skills learnt during their training sessions

Qaylah Omar enjoying the one-on-one interaction with the specialist hockey coaches.

Nathan McComb embracing some new hockey drills

The senior girls hockey team with their opponents from Hoërskool Outeniqua

A Cannons Creek pupil learning new skills and strategies for the squash court

Grade 7 pupil Aran Bosch caught in action during a Squash skills training session.