Swimmer to represent EC at Christian schools' national championships
STAFF REPORTER
PORT Alfred swimmer Stephen Stiekema is racking up achievements in the Eastern Province Christian Schools' Sports Association (EPCSSA).
The 13-year-old was awarded the Senior Boys Victor Ludorum (Latin for "winner of the games'” at the EPCSSA Swimming Zonals, held at the Hans Kleynhans pool in Port Elizabeth earlier this month.
Stephen also swam in the EPCSSA Regionals at the Newton Park Pool in Port Elizabeth last Friday where he qualified to represent the Eastern Cape in 50m breaststroke, 50m freestyle and 100m breaststroke, to compete at the South African Christian Schools' Sports Association (SACSSA) Nationals, in Gauteng on March 1-2.
| DEDICATION PAYS OFF: Local swimmer Stephen Stiekema (front) has been excelling under the coaching of Werner "SuperVan” Faca Picture: SUPPLIED |
Stephen's coach, Werner Faca, who goes by the nickname "SuperVan”, was very pleased with Stephen's results and encouraged him to "keep on swimming”.
At last year's Nationals, Stephen achieved a bronze medal for 50m breaststroke and is hoping to improve his times again this year.
His younger sister Kayla, 10, also qualified for the EC Team in 50m breaststroke and 50m freestyle.
Their mother, Carol-Ann Stiekema said SuperVan's "energetic, creative and motivating methods” had certainly made a difference to Stephen and Kayla's swimming.
She was also grateful to Annette Crous at the Port Alfred Indoor Pool, commending her for running a professional facility for the community to train at.
