Clarendon High School for Girls’ recent impressive stint as hosts of the 2025 All Girls National Aquatics Festival saw the school take third place nationally and has cemented CGHS as the engine behind developing school girl’s water sport locally.
The event, held at the start of February, which brought together top female swimmers and water polo players from across the country, was a celebration of the strides made at schools across the country to achieve competitive gender parity in school sports.
The school said that hosting an event of this magnitude was a nod to the revival of East London’s growing significance in the arena of water sports — of which the Clarendon Schools Harrison Aquatic Centre is an important component.
CGHS’s Nicole Sieberhagen said: “We don’t always have the same opportunities to compete at such a high level like some of the bigger schools in major centres, so having brought this festival to our city is a huge privilege for our girls.
“This event is about more than just winning — it’s about pushing limits, forming friendships, and celebrating the incredible strength, skill, and sportsmanship of young female athletes. We hope they leave knowing they are part of something bigger — a movement that celebrates strong, talented young women in sport.”
Clarendon’s swimmers delivered an exceptional performance, securing 13 medals: six gold, three silver, and four bronze. They finished third, missing second place by one point.
Clarendon’s water polo teams also showcased their determination and skill, with the first team finishing in third place after a hard-fought battle in the semifinals.
