Three local water polo players will be diving into Argentinian waters to represent South Africa during the World Aquatic Championships.
Adam October, Salahuddin Khan and Arkin Marais will participate in the international competition in Buenos Aires, Argentina, from Tuesday 2 to Tuesday 9 July.
The matric learners of Paul Roos Gymnasium (PRG) are gearing up for the competition, but each need help in paying the R82 000 to attend. Swimming South Africa does not have the funds to send the boys to the championships, leaving the boys to self fund their water polo tours.
In addition to the tournament, there are also three mandatory training camps leading up to the national competition which the water polo players also have to cover.
All boys have played water polo since primary school with Adam and Arkin starting in Grade 4, and Salahuddin in Grade 5. Hours in the pool have helped secure the three their spots in Paul Roos’ first water polo team.
Together the boys received their Boland and Western Province colours throughout their school career.
This year all three were also selected for the Western Province Currie Cup team and it was during this annual tournament they were selected for the national team.
For Adam and Arkin this won’t be the first time they are representing South Africa on a global stage. Both were selected for the national under-16 team that took part in the final Junior World Championships in Greece in 2022.
The prestigious World Aquatics tournament is the international federation recognised by the International Olympic Committee for administering international competitions in water sports. Taking part will mean the three water polo players will sport their green and gold blazers for the event.
PRG now boasts three players in the national squad, a title no other school can claim.
The boys are now trying to raise the needed funds for the tour and have started BackaBuddy campaigns as well as fundraisers to make sure they cover their travel, transport and accommodation.
- Support these teens by visiting, www.backabuddy.co.za and donating to the “Help Adam represent South Africa in Argentina” and “Help Arkin play for South Africa”. To support Salahuddin, follow the link here.
