O R Tambo / Socini Games 2019

The games were introduced to encourage young talent, giving them a chance to compete in a “Games” challenge. The OR Tambo/ Socini Games were initiated in the celebration of the 100th birthday of OR Tambo.

This year ESP Piranhas had 11 swimmers selected, to represent 3 of the competing provincial teams, which all took up the challenge of the Games initiative. 6 teams took part. Invitational events were added to the program, to showcase the more elite Aquatic Gauteng swimmers and their Socini counterparts.

Ekurhuleni selection included Danika Brechenmacher, Christopher Gillespe, Mosidi Kgaswe, Oyama Malaza, Ona Matli, Oratile Ndawo, Graham Peacock and Christina Pon.

Gauteng Schools – Mikayla Pon

Aquatics Invitational – Bernelee Doster and Joshua Gillespe.

In the invitational events Bernelee won 2 gold medals. Joshua won a silver and a bronze medal.

Games Medal winners:

Christopher Gillespe – 3 Gold and 1 silver.

Ona Matli – 2 gold and 1 bronze

Mikayla Pon - 1 gold 2 silver and 1 bronze

Oyama Malaza - 1 gold and 2 silver

Mosidi Kgaswe – 1 gold medal and 2 fourth places.

Gauteng Schools won the games with Ekhuruleni placing second.

Bernelee had to speed back from Sun City after placing third in her age group, in the 3 km Open Water event. (43 minutes 21 seconds), to support this team.