NGF Rhythmic Gymnastics Novice Nationals a resounding success
The much-anticipated Namibian Gymnastics Federation (NGF) Rhythmic Gymnastics Novice Nationals hosted last week by the Windhoek Rhythmic Club (WRC) saw Pro-Ed Academy's Rebecca van Niekerk (Level 1, U8) of the Ocean View Rhythmic Club (OVR), with Windhoek Gymnasium's Katherine Beukes (Level 2, U9) of WRC and Shiloh Bock (Level 3, U10) of Elite Rhythmic Gymnastics Club (ERGC) reign supreme as the overall cup winners.The event marked a milestone in Namibian rhythmic gymnastics as it was the first year the novice nationals were held as a separate event from the higher levels. Wietsa Snyman, founder of WRC, said that the rhythmic section is NGF's biggest section, with nine registered clubs, and it is working hard to grow even more across the country.
Group results
The overall club competition title was scooped by Walvis Bay Gymnastics Club (WBGC) for Level 3; WRC tied with WBGC for the Level 2 over-9 top spot, with WRC claiming the top spot of Level 2 under-9; ERGC claimed Level 1 over-9, with Level 1 under-9 going to International School of Walvis Bay Gymnastics Club (ISWBGC); and PRG secured the Level 1 under-7 age category.
Snyman said that the sheer volume of participants and spectators in attendance led to the thoughtful decision to create a separate competition date for the novice category gymnasts, ranging from Levels 1 to 3.
“This distinction turned out to be more than justified as the sport’s popularity has grown exponentially, attracting a vast number of 280 gymnasts and their passionate supporters, estimated to be close to 600,” she said.
Top performers
Level 1 saw Lome Janse van Vuuren of Parkies Rhythmic Club (PRG) reign supreme in the over-11 saw category; Felicia Forcelledo of ERGC in the under-11; Emilia Naishindi of WRC in the under-10; Nina Strohmenger of ERGC in the under-9; Rebecca van Niekerk of OVR in the under-8; Helena Kaulinge of ISWBGC in the under-7; and Milana Shiweda of ERGC in the under-6 age group.
Level 2 saw Eilisha Louw of WRGC dominate the over-11 age group; Alyna Swarts of ERGC the under-11; Kuhepa Kohorongo of ERGC the under-10; Katherine Beukes of WRC the under-9; Anne Hivelua of WRC the under-8 and Zara Duchaine of ERGC the under-7 category.
Level 3 saw Chloe Huschfield of WBGC top the over-11 category; Elizabeth Maasdorp of Infinity Rhythmic Gymnastics (IRG) the under-11; Shiloh Bock of ERGC the under-10; Liya-Rose Neema of WRC the under-9; Karli Conradie of ERGC the under-8; and Yana Pretorius of WRC the under-7 category.
Gratitude
After a successful competition, Snyman expressed her deep gratitude to everyone who played a crucial role in making the event a resounding success, from her “dedicated” team and its coaches to the parents, judges, and participating clubs from across the country. She emphasised the collective effort required to orchestrate such a grand affair and the importance of a supportive community in the world of rhythmic gymnastics.
"And, of course, a special thank you to our main sponsors. We are truly grateful for your generous support for our event. Thank you to How Do You Brew, Veneto’s Pizza, Ice Queen, Bruno’s Auto Service, Afri Aqua, 360 Ice, BFT butchery, and Ricoh.”