On Saturday 16 October, St Mary’s held its annual rhythmic gymnastics prizegiving.

Staff and online spectators were treated to performances that began with group routines from dozens of excited Grade 1s to 4s, who eagerly showed off their artistry and acquired skills. The senior gymnasts (levels 4 - 7) all performed beautifully. The displays concluded with performances from St Mary’s voluntary level gymnasts Zeinab Kone and Lesedi Mochela, as they performed their competition ball and club routines respectively, displaying a range of skills developed from hours of practice, five days a week.

Huge thank yous are extended to all the staff and parents who volunteered their time to making sure that the prizegiving ran smoothly despite the pandemic. A special thank you is extended to members of St Mary’s sports and academic staff as well as distinguished guests, involved in various support roles within the sport, for taking time out of their weekend to celebrate the gymnasts.

All St Mary’s gymnasts are commended on an excellent season. The gymnasts won participation ribbons and certificates. Trophies were awarded to senior gymnasts Naledi Diale, Bontle Kganyago, Caitlyn Govender, Tshegofatso Modise, Reece Williams and Lesedi Mochela for various achievements. Special congratulations are extended to South African Junior Olympic gymnast Zeinab Kone (Form I), who was awarded the trophy for Gymnast of the Year in the Senior School. Molebogeng Pitje in level 7 received the trophy for best Junior School gymnast.

We extend our thanks to our wonderful team of coaches, who ran around tirelessly and are the reason behind every medal and accolade. We have an enormous debt of gratitude to Linda Guiricich, the head of St Mary’s School rhythmic gymnastics, supported by Jane Lawther. Linda pioneered gymnastics at the school and has continued to nurture and grow the sport for 18 years, selflessly giving of her time above and beyond duty’s call. She truly is a wonder woman and has immersed herself wholeheartedly not only as the sport’s head and administrator but the behind-the-scenes driver of the annual St Mary’s Invitational, the gymnastics prizegiving and the comforting, familiar face we have all seen urging us on at gruelling competitions. With utmost love and dedication, she does everything from running the sport, to coaching junior levels, to calming the little ones as they face the daunting spotlight of competing, and even hand-washing leotards. Thank you Linda for giving us a chance to shine. The joyous times and life lessons we experienced at the gym will stay with us for the rest of our lives and, no doubt, hold us in good stead. You have taught us that rewards are not only measured in medals, trophies or colours, but in consistent hard work and in the knowledge that we gave our best effort and that we represented proudly.

LESEDI MOCHELA
FORM IV