Sports in and around Port Alfred

As one would expect, many of the activities take place in and on the warm Indian Ocean and the Kowie River that runs through the town centre. The river is 18 kilometers long and may be cruised by boat or explored by canoe.

Water skiing, windsurfing, surfing and scuba diving are very popular and The Reef (which is located less than a kilometer offshore) is regarded as one of South Africa’s most colourful scuba diving spots. 

 

 

 

Other Sports

Port Alfred offers the opportunity to participate in popular sports such as fishing, canoeing, mountain biking, hiking and even skydiving at the nearby Grahamstown airfield.

 

Golfers are in for a fantastic time as Port Alfred boasts one of only four royal golf courses in South Africa. A 15-minute drive out of town brings you to the Fish River Sun golf course which was designed by the great Gary Player.

 

There are numerous sports and clubs to join! Traditional South African sports such as rugby and cricket are played at the town’s country club. There are also hockey and tennis clubs. Football (Soccer) games are played on Thursdays and the Stenden South Africa team enters local tournaments. Student netball, water polo and boxing teams are formed when interest is shown by the students.

 

For those running enthusiasts “Kowie Striders” is the local running & walking group.

 

There are also a number of private gyms, and a wonderful Wellness Clinic, where Pilates and Power Plates are offered.

 

Where possible, Stenden South Africa has arranged preferential rates and conditions with local clubs and activities.

 

Port Elizabeth and East London often host national and international sporting events.

 

 

Tug-o-War and Strongest Man:

Stenden South Africa enters teams each year at the Tug of War and many of our male students show their mettle at the Strongest Man event. Jason Nel, the reigning champion of the strongest man competition for three years in a row, stepped down this year, although he gave it his all. Our enthusiastic supporters are always noted for their team spirit and loud support.

 

 

 

Touch Rugby:

This tournament is collectively held by the sports and entertainment committees. Last year was the first year that such a tournament was held and with a solid turn out and good weather, the whole of Stenden South Africa were either participating or supporting on the day. This year the committee plans to open the event up to different organisations, schools and universities. It will be a charity event, with proceeds going to a charity of the committee’s choice.

 

B.E.A.R. Challenge:

Two teams represented Stenden at this annual event hosted by Beyond Adventure, held on the 12th of November 2011. This year the event consisted of a 3km run, 7km cycle and 4km run.

 

Taryn Craig, Megan Walwyn and Andulela Suka formed a girls team and Jason Sharrock, Harm Heijmerink and Jeremy Whitfield represented a boys team for Stenden.

 

We are proud to say that both teams won first prize in their races.

 

 

 

Cricket:

There are many annual cricket events in and around Port Alfred. The Pineapple Cricket Tournament is a famous yearly event with teams consisting of local farmers in the district. Many of our past and present students participate in this fun tournament, as well as in the local 6 a-side tournament.