Saints Water Polo Invitational 2023
St Stithians College was proud to host the 29th Saints Water Polo Invitational for both our Preps and our Colleges in October 2023. We played host to the Saints Junior Water Polo Invitational from 20 - 22 October 2023 and the Senior Invitational over the half-term weekend, from 26 to 29 October 2023. The Saints Aquatics Centre is always a hive of activity over these two weekends and we love welcoming spectators to our Saints Campus to enjoy some great water polo games over these action-packed days. Thank you to those who were a part of it - playing, supporting, managing, sponsoring, exhibiting or organising - we appreciate you...We can't wait to do it all next year!
SAINTS WATER POLO INVITATIONAL SENIOR SECTION WRAP
That’s a wrap for this year’s edition of the Saints Water Polo Invitational - an incredible four days of college water polo at our Saints Water Polo Invitational 2023. We were blessed with mostly awesome weather with just one delay on Saturday and weather interrupting our finals on Sunday and casing a delay. St Stithians College has been privileged to host this tournament for the past 29 years and relishes the opportunity for our Saints Aquatics Precinct to welcome our 40 participating teams (over 500 players) and hundreds of supporters for 144 games of top-class water polo, most importantly, giving our students the opportunity to do what they love to do.
An event like this takes a huge amount of organisation and manpower and we are grateful to #OneAndAll who played a part in the success of this year’s event. Thank you to all the participants who have given it their all in the pools, we applaud them for their sportsmanship and the camaraderie that they have shown both in and outside the pool.
A mid-afternoon thunderstorm created a short delay in getting our senior event finals underway and although we could complete the girls' final, due to continuing bad weather, the Boys' final was moved to Reddam Helderfontein's indoor facility. We had two incredible finals, the Girls’ Final between Gauteng’s Roedean School (SA) and Cape Town’s Herschel Girls School and the Boys’ Final between Gauteng’s St John’s College and Cape Town’s South African College School (SACS) and Our winners for 2023 are Herschel Girls School and SACS for the third consecutive year. Congratulations to our winners and to #OneAndAll.
Our silver medalists in the Boys' Section were St John's College and bronze Medals went to St Andrew’s College Grahamstown.
Our silver medalists in the Girls' Section were Roedean School (Cape Town) and bronze medalists, Reddam House Constantia.
For all the final placings for the Senior Boys’ Section, click here. For all the final placings for the Senior Girls’ section, click here.
Thank you to all our vendors, suppliers, and particularly our headline sponsor, CIB and all of our sponsors for the essential part that they play in making tournaments like this happen. To our Chair of the Saints Water Polo Committee, Russell Haworth, his wife Bronwyn and their incredible Water Polo Committee, made up of a group of passionate and committed parents we extend our heartfelt appreciation. To our Tournament Directors, Bruno Fernandes and Etienne Le Roux and their team, a massive thanks. This wraps up this year’s Invitational. We look forward to welcoming the participants and supporters to our Saints Water Polo Invitational Senior Invitational 2024 which will be our 30th iteration of the tournament – see you there!
To #OneAndAll that participated, supported and were a part of delivering this event – thank you. To our traveling teams, travel home safely. Until next year…
#SaintsWaterPoloInvitational2023 #SWPI2023 #HappyFulfilment #InspiringExcellence #MakingAWorldOfDifference #PurposeInspired #PassionDriven
A selection of photographs from our prize-giving ceremonies. Due to the weather, the coaches for each of the winning Girls' teams were requested to collect the medals on behalf of their players. Our Boys' prize-giving took place at the Reddam Helderfontein indoor facility and we thank them for their generosity in ensuring that our a trounament result was possible.
2023 St Stithians Water Polo Invitational Senior Boys' and Girls' Tournament (Thursday 26 - Sunday 29 October)
Senior Girls' Section - Tournament Rules & Fixtures Schedule
Senior Girls' Section Scoring - MyComlink - Game Scores, Points Tables, and Progression Game Confirmations
Senior Girls' Section - Resuts, Awards and Final Placings (29 October 2023)
Senior Boys' Section - Tournament Rules & Fixtures Schedule
Senior Boys' Section Scoring - MyComlink - Game Scores, Points Tables, and Progression Game Confirmations
Senior Boys' Section - Results Awards and Final Placings (29 October 2023)
Welcome message from our Chairman of the Saints Water Polo Parent's Committee - Russell Haworth
We look forward to two great weekends of pool-side action.
Welcome message from our St Stithians College Heads - Dr Sally James and Mr David du Toit
As we gather in the spirit of camaraderie and sportsmanship, we celebrate the beauty and athleticism of water polo. Over the next four days, we will witness incredible skill, determination, and teamwork on display.
A heartfelt thanks go out to all the teams, coaches, officials, and volunteers who have worked tirelessly to make this tournament possible. In particular, I acknowledge the commitment of our parents’ committee under the leadership of Mr Russell Haworth as well as the Saints Events and Communications team for their organisation and hard work which has gone into this tournament. Your commitment to the sport is truly admirable, and it's because of your efforts that we can come together to enjoy the incredible excitement water polo has to offer this weekend.
To the athletes, remember that you are not just representing your teams, but also your communities, schools and the sport of water polo as a whole. Play your best, but also play with respect for your opponents and the rules of the game. To the spectators, thank you for being here to support our youngsters. Your energy and enthusiasm in the stands are essential to creating an electric atmosphere.
Let us come together, One and All in the true spirit of sportsmanship, valuing the friendships we make and the lessons we learn along the way. I trust that you will enjoy this celebration of sport with us and contribute towards the positive atmosphere and encouragement of participants both in and out of the pool.
Sally James (Head : St Stithians Girls’ College)
We know that the matches will be very competitive, and that we will witness water polo of the highest standard. I do ask that you never forget that it is a game, that it is meant to be fun, and that you have the opportunity to meet fellow athletes who you are likely to bump into and become friends with after school. Play hard, but always fair. Never fail to shake hands with your opponents, or to thank the referee and the table.
We are very, very grateful to our staff who coach and manage our teams. Water polo often has very long days in tournaments and very long hours (and often awkwardly very early in the morning) next to the pool preparing our athletes. Thank you for your hard work and dedication, and your mentoring of our students. Never forget that as a coach you have hundreds of moments to impact lives and shape values – use those moments wisely. You are appreciated.
Welcome too to our parents, families, and supporters. You are integral to our sport and to the growth and enjoyment of water polo in South Africa. Thank you for your vociferous support and visible enthusiasm next to the pool.
I am extremely grateful to our staff and parents and our Saints Water Polo Committee for their hard work for many months to put on this positive spectacle of sport.
I wish to thank our sponsors for their generosity and support of our College and this wonderful sport. Our players, staff and parents appreciate your kindness.
Welcome to Saints. Have a great time. We appreciate you.
Best wishes
David du Toit (Head: St Stithians Boys' College)
PLEASE NOTE - PARKING - Please note that parking is on the Henning Field which is the field behind the Aquatics Centre. Parking in this area is the most convenient for the Water Polo as the new hospitality zone is featured on the parking area above squash courts this year and Chapel Drive should be avoided. We really appreciate your co-operation and understanding in this regard.
Saints Water Polo Invitational Facebook Page
There is lots of up to date news, pics and info on our vendors and sponsors on our Saints Water Polo Invitational Facebook page. For updates, info and pics, please visit, like and follow our page.
Check out our page for all the weekend action.
Galleries of photos from our Official Invitational Photographer - Debbi Adcock.
We'll share what's happening poolside for those who can't be with us,
Sponsors & Vendors
Headline Sponsor 2023
Thank you to our Headline Sponsor for 2023, CIB. Founded in 1994, CIB is one of the largest underwriting managers in South Africa. From smaller independent operations to the largest corporate brokers – providing world-class administrative systems and products with the technical support necessary to distribute quality insurance solutions countrywide. CIB specialises in the commercial insurance market as well as personal lines for the high net worth individual. The CIB product range also includes a wide range of niche products targeted at the engineering, marine, culinary, fleet, buildings and franchise sector. CIB is underwritten by Guardrisk Insurance Company Limited, a Level 1 BBEEE partner.
We are grateful to our sponsors and vendors who play a huge part in the success of our annual Saints Water Polo Invitational. Thank you #OneAndAll.
Come join us in the Old Stithian Association Hospitality tent. Cool refreshments available, comfortable seating area with plenty shade. Festive music and live streaming of all the games (as well as the Rugby World Cup Semi-Finals!)
With Turbo superior sports swimwear, you’re guaranteed to keep your eyes on the ball. Because Turbo swimsuits are durable, comfortable, and designed to fit perfectly - so you can always give your best.
Based in Cape Town, South Africa, the Pura Beverage Company manufactures, distributes, markets and sells “better for you” beverages in a variety of great flavours!
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Blistex is enthusiastically visiting the Stayers Tournament at St Stithians again. We present new lip-care products, give away samples and offer special deals on our products.
Our Grade 11 Interact Team will be making and sellling pancakes and popcorn poolside.
FUNKITA Funky Trunks - Australia's brightest chlorine resistant swimwear range. Imported from Australia and on sale to the public here in sunny South Africa.
Thank you to absa for partnering with us - they can be found in the Kids Zone.
Thank you to our partner SMH for their support of the Saints Water Polo Invitational and of St Stithians College.
With Turbo superior sports swimwear, you’re guaranteed to keep your eyes on the ball. Because Turbo swimsuits are durable, comfortable, and designed to fit perfectly - so you can always give your best.
Thank you to Future LIfe for the goodie bag donations. Futurelife® provides Smart Foods which Assist in Immune Support And Contains A Variety Of 19 Vitamins & Minerals. Family
Morals the brand is a proudly South African brand located in Jozi, founded by Sarah Moralee in February 2019. Run by Ingrid and her daughter Sarah who make and sell beautiful hats.
Sloane's Butchery and Deli is one of the most legendary butchers and delis in Joburg.
We are happy to have the Dancing Doghnut Team to the Saints Water Polo Invitational adding a sweet touch to the festivities.
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We welcome OMODA, a new automative design concept to our Saints Water Polo Invitational.
A firm favourite - visit our friends from Chip n Dip for a savoury snack.
Wendy's Lemonade will be selling their frozen and refreshing lemonade in varous flavours to our participants and supporters.
Light, non-greasy continuous spray sunscreen for sensitive skin.
The University of Johannesburg (UJ) - Student Chiropractic Sports Council (SCSC) is a non-profit, student run organization with the aim of providing a platform to students where they can gain hands-on experience in the world of sports Chiropractic Sports chiropractic focuses on providing a conservative treatment approach to athletes in order to help treat current injuries, prevent future injuries and allow athletes to perform at their optimum.
Great to have our partners Brand Contact and the Saints Brew combi with us for the weekend. Serving awesome coffee and snacks poolside.
Thank you to Pizzachefs for being with us at the Saints Water Polo Invitational.
Baglios Gelato offering quality, passion & artisanal flair.
Weet-Bix is all about wholesome goodness, containing 97% wholegrains and no preservatives or colourants.
We welcome Honor and their new mobile phone brand to the Saints Water Polo Invitational 2023.
A bit shout out to Oakhill Cellars for supplying the fridges and cold drinks for the tuckshop.
Serving delicious wraps, Quesadillas and salads. Visit Just Wraps for located in the Hospitality Zone.
A big thanks to tyto for the sponsorship of waters for our Saints Water Polo Invitational. We really appreciate the support.
WWS (World Wide Sports) Activation behind Polo pool - empowering sports, academics and art talent in Africa
Official Photographs by Debbi Adcock Phototography
Click here for the action shots from the Senior Section of our Saints Water Polo Invitational 2022. Debbi Adcocke will once again be our official photographer and we look forward to sharing her pics with #OneAndAll.
Live Streaming - SuperSport Schools Live
We are proud to once again be partnering with the SuperSport School for our live-streaming. To access this awesome coverage of the games, you will need to download the Supersport Schools app. All the fixtures will be uploaded to this portal. For details on how to download the app, click here.
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Important Information
Map to the St Stithians Aquatics Centre
Official Photographer - Debbi Adcock - Please click here to visit Debbi's Facebook Page for all information
2023 St Stithians Water Polo Invitational Junior Boys' and Girls' Tournament (Friday 20 - Sunday 22 October)
SAINTS WATER POLO INVITATIONAL JUNIOR SECTION WRAP
What an awesome three days of prep water polo at our @Saints Water Polo Invitational with exceptional Joburg weather on display. It was all blue pools, blue skies and happy and fulfilled students doing what they love to do. The Invitational played host to 30 teams, 450 players and coaches and over 100+ water polo games over the three days.
An event like this takes a huge amount of organisation and manpower and we are grateful to #OneAndAll that played a part in the success of this year’s event. Thank you to all of the participants who have given it their all in the pools, we applaud them for their sportsmanship and the camaraderie that they have shown both in and outside the pool.
The event culminated with two incredible finals, the Boys’ Final between Gauteng schools St John’s College and St David’s Marist Inanda and the Girls’ Final between Durban Girls' College (Senior Primary) and Chelsea Preparatory School (KZN). Our winners for 2023 are St David’ Marist Inanda and Durban Girls' College (Senior Primary). Congratulations to our winners and to #OneAndAll.
Our Silver medalists in the Boys' Section were St John's College and Bronze Medals went to St Benedicts.
Our Silver medalists in the Girls' Section were Chelsea Preparatory School (KZN) and Bronze medalists, Herschel Girls' Preparatory (Cape Town).
For all of the final placings for the Boys’ Section, click here. For all the final placings for the Girls’ section, click here.
Thank you to all of our vendors, suppliers, and particularly our headline sponsor, CIB and all of our sponsors for the essential part that they play in making tournaments like this happen. This wraps up this week’s Invitational. We look forward to welcoming the participants and supporters to our Saints Water Polo Invitational Senior Invitational which starts on Thursday 26 October and ends on Sunday 29 October.
See you there!
#SaintsWaterPoloInvitational2023 #SWPI2023 #HappyFulfilment #InspiringExcellence #MakingAWorldOfDifference #PurposeInspired #PassionDriven
Welcome message from our St Stithians Prep Heads - Mrs Kim Lowman and Mr Sanele Majola
Dear Water Polo Players and Coaches,
We extend a warm and enthusiastic welcome to all the schools participating in the much-anticipated 2023 Saints Junior Invitational Water Polo tournament. As representatives of our ‘One And All’ School, we are thrilled to host schools from across the country, along with the dedicated parents who have joined us this year. This event provides a wonderful platform for young talents to shine.
Water polo is undoubtedly a fiercely competitive sport but let us always remember the importance of maintaining sportsmanship both in the swimming pool and on the side lines. Beyond the thrill of victory, sports offer a unique opportunity to forge lasting friendships that extend far beyond the boundaries of this tournament.
To our coaches, we deeply appreciate the effort you have invested in preparing your teams for this significant sporting event. While success is a common goal for all, let us also emphasize the value of encouraging our players to participate in the true spirit of the game.
A heartfelt thank you goes out to the parents who have taken time out of their busy schedules to support their children and schools. Your presence and unwavering support mean the world to your children.
Lastly, we extend our sincere gratitude to the Saints Water Polo Organising Committee and everyone who has contributed to making this tournament a reality. Your dedication and hard work have not gone unnoticed.
Over the next few days, we eagerly anticipate witnessing outstanding displays of water polo skills and sportsmanship. May this tournament leave an indelible impression and bring joy and fulfilment to everyone involved.
Yours Sincerely
Mrs Kim Lowman - St Stithians Girls' Prep Head
Mr Sanele Majola - St Stithians Boys' Prep Head
A gallery of pics taken by our official photographer Debbi Adcock from Day one and Day Two of the Saints Water Polo Junior Invitational 2023.
Junior Girls' Section - Tournament Rules & Fixtures Schedule
Junior Girls' Section Scoring - MyComlink - Game Scores, Points Tables, and Progression Game Confirmations
Junior Girls' Section - Final Standings and Results
Junior Boys' Section - Tournament Rules & Fixtures Schedule
Junior Boys' Section Scoring - MyComlink - Game Scores, Points Tables, and Progression Game Confirmations
Junior Boys' Section - Final Standings and Results
Thank you...
We thank you in advance for your support as together we aim to provide a happy and memorable experience for our participants. We invite you to follow us on the Saints Water Polo Invitational facebook page for photos, updates and more information.
We are extremely grateful to the many staff, parents and our sponsors who have worked tirelessly to ensure our students experience the joy of the Saints Water Polo Invitational. We wish #OneAndAll an awesome weekend poolside.
#inspiringExcellence #MakingAWorldOfDifference #PurposeInspired #PassionDriven #StrongerOneAndAll #SaintsWaterPolo2023
