KNYSNA NEWS - The Oakhill Waterfront Chukka Festival has once again solidified its place as a must-attend event on South African schools' water polo calendar.
This year marked the 13th edition of the festival.
Over the course of three thrilling weekends in February, The Waterfront Knysna Quays became the epicentre of competitive water polo, attracting schools from across the country for one of the most exciting events in the sport.
Oakhill School
The festival, hosted by Oakhill School, spans three separate weekends and caters for u.13, u.15, and u.19 teams, offering a comprehensive and inclusive experience for players of all ages.
With more than 1 200 players, along with coaches, managers and supporters, the festival is a massive event that brings together the best of South African youth water polo.
Over 11 days of play, more than 350 games were contested, showcasing the incredible skill, sportsmanship, and dedication of the young athletes.
A growing tradition
The Oakhill Waterfront Chukka Festival has become a staple on the water polo calendar.
The event's success lies not only in its competitive nature but also in its unique festival atmosphere, which encourages player development, teamwork, and a strong sense of camaraderie.
Each age group brings its own excitement to the table.
Oakhill u.19 girls captain Jamie Hardy challenging an opponent.
The u.13, u.15 and u.19 festivals were each packed with thrilling games, with the u.19 event proving especially popular this year.
The demand for participation was so high that a third water polo pool had to be added at The Waterfront Knysna Quays to accommodate the overflow. Despite this expansion, a waiting list of schools expressed interest in joining the event, reflecting the festival's growing popularity and importance in the South African water polo scene.
Diving in for action at the Oakhill Waterfront Chukka Festival pool.
Festival by numbers:
Over 350 games played across all age groups
1 200 players participated, with the following breakdown:
u.13 Festival: 29 teams, 360+ players, 102 games;
u.15 Festival: 28 teams, 350+ players, 98 games; and
u.19 Festival: 45 teams, 550+ players, 144 games.
The Oakhill Waterfront Chukka Festival's success is attributed to the dedication of the Oakhill Sports Department, the support of the Oakhill School staff, the local Knysna community and enthusiastic spectators.
Key partners, including The Waterfront Knysna Quays, DryDock, 34South, IHApp, Eden Streamz, and RSAWEB, played an essential role in making the event possible and ensuring its continued success.
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