INTER-HOUSE SWIMMING GALA 2025

MESSAGE FROM THE HEADMASTER
We have returned for the start of 2025 in an optimistic fashion and I am excited to welcome 141 new families to the College. I have no doubt that our broader community will ensure that all new families feel welcome as they weave their way into the tapestry of our collective stories and experience exciting, new beginnings.
The Inter-House Gala has become a highlight in our calendar and heralds in the new school year, reminding us of our purpose as a community and beckoning us forward as we face new challenges and opportunities. It is always a privilege to see our College swimmers in action and I look forward to seeing them excel and shine as they enjoy the opportunity to perform in front of their peers and family. Parents, thank you for attending and supporting your sons as there is no doubt that they enjoy your presence and encouragement. Please enjoy the camaraderie, the rivalry and the sheer joy of boys competing against their friends. I would like to pay special tribute to our lead swimmer, Helgaard Muller, who has recently been participating in Russia representing Team South Africa at the prestigious Salnikov Cup in Saint Petersburg. He participated in the 100m Backstroke, 200m Backstroke, and 200m Individual Medley events, achieving personal best times in all three and was one of the youngest participants. We are immensely proud of all of Helgaard’s achievements and look forward to seeing him perform in our pool.
Boys and staff, thank you for your preparation for this occasion and thank you for creating the wonderful atmosphere that we will experience today. Particularly, I would like to thank our ground staff, led by Johnny Nkuna, who have worked tirelessly to ensure that the pool and surrounds are ready for this event, and to Garth Turvey our Director of Sport, for all the preparation which goes into an event like today. Swimming requires many officials, and I would like to pay tribute to our Sport Department, and staff for all the hard work behind the scenes.
There is no doubt that the Houses revel in the opportunity to compete against each other. Enjoy the rivalry and the fellowship which today will bring and I look forward to enjoying the festivities with you after the event.
Yours sincerely
Shane Kidwell
(6th Headmaster, St Alban’s College)
GALA RULES
Each swimmer may only swim four individual events and two of the three relays. Pre-events are not counted as an event.
All swimmers must wear Speedo-style costumes – no shorts will be allowed.
Points Allocations:
Individual events: 8, 7, 6, 5, 4, 3, 2, 1
Relay events: 16, 14, 12, 10, 8, 6, 4, 2
PROGRAMME OF EVENTS
Pre-Swum Events
Thursday 16 January 2025
ORDER OF EVENTS
Friday 17 January 2025
RELAYS
PRIZE GIVING
The Headmaster and the College would like to thank everyone who participated in and supported the swimming gala this afternoon.
A special thank you to all the staff and the Sports Department for organising and running the event.
Please join your house for the street party on David Butcher Drive.
STREET PARTY – EVENT DETAILS
Venue:
Swimming Pool & David Butcher Drive
Time:
15h30 – 23h00
Programme of Events:
15h30 – 16h30: House Entrances at the Pool Area
16h30 – 18h00: Swimming Events
18h00 – 18h30: Prize-Giving
18h30 – 23h00: Street Party in Houses along David Butcher Drive
House Seating in the Pool Area
Each House will be allocated a specific section of the grandstands for parents. House PAs may begin decorating their designated areas from 10h00 on the day. Please ensure decorations remain within your assigned section to allow sufficient space for all Houses. Kindly ensure that no glassware is used in the pool area. Boys are encouraged to bring their own water bottles, as cold water and PVM will be available on tap.
Refreshments
Following the Prize-Giving, boys, parents, and staff will gather at their designated areas along David Butcher Drive to enjoy welcome drinks, snacks, and social time. Each House will have a specific space allocated for setting up House gazebos. The provided furniture includes three trestle tables, thirty chairs, a braai stand with braai tongs, and two bins. Parents are kindly requested to bring their own camping chairs. Additionally, each House will be supplied with three packets of charcoal, three packets of wood, and firelighters.
A variety of vendors will be available, including Chip ’n Dip, Milky Lane, The Filthy Moustache, Doritos Loaded, and RocoMamas.
For those who prefer to braai, fires will be provided. Families are welcome to bring a cooler box with drinks. We encourage everyone to support the vendors throughout the evening.
Once the event concludes, we kindly ask each House to ensure their area is cleaned.
Parking
Parking will be available at St Alban’s College and Varsity College.