WHS, WAP and Gym tackle annual tri-athletics at Vegkop!

More than just athletics
The event brought together Windhoek High School, Windhoek Afrikaanse Privaatskool and Windhoek Gymnasium for a spirited showcase of athletic talent, school pride and healthy competition.
Rozanne Swart
  • 3 Days Ago

The second annual Tri-Athletics event took place at Vegkop Sport Stadium, hosted by Windhoek High School (WHS) last weekend. The competition brought together athletes from WHS, Windhoek Afrikaanse Privaatskool (WAP), and Windhoek Gymnasium to showcase their talents on the track and field.

The event was launched last year to provide an additional athletics platform for learners, giving them more exposure and opportunities to develop their sporting skills.

Heloise Steyn, acting principal of WHS, explained: “We saw a need for our athletes to participate in more events, to give learners greater exposure and to build school spirit in the first term of the year.”

WAP principal, Kobus Espach, added: “Tri-Athletics offers athletes the chance to compete in a well-organised event. Strong athletes can measure themselves against others at the same level.”

Abrie Myburgh, principal of Windhoek Gymnasium, noted: “There was no healthy competition for athletics. This three-school event creates a valuable opportunity, allowing the strongest schools to compete and for athletes to learn from one another, further developing their skills and talents.”


Significant

The event is not only significant for the participants but also for all learners in attendance. Myburgh added, “Learners build friendships and make memories that will last a lifetime. They may not always remember the achievements, but they will always remember the friendships formed here today.”

Rejoice Karegeya, head girl of WHS, said the event was a great way to show school pride and unity: “Everybody singing their hearts out shows their love and pride for their school.”

Denése Tromp, head girl of WAP, echoed this sentiment: “Even though we had tests coming up, learners still showed up to support the athletes. That shows true school spirit and unity.”

In the competition, WHS dominated, taking home both the overall Tri-Athletics trophy and the spirit trophy, a new addition this year recognising the school that displayed the most energy, creativity and enthusiasm. WHS finished with 1 452 points, Windhoek Gymnasium came second with 1 150 points, and WAP third with 687 points.

The event drew a total of 791 spectators, excluding learners, including parents and community members, creating a high-energy atmosphere throughout the day.

Steyn said the school hopes to continue hosting the event annually, gradually expanding participation to include more schools and allow additional athletes to gain exposure and experience.