The Cup comprised six sports, Basketball, Volleyball, Netball, Soccer, Mixed Touch and Table Tennis. The carnivals were held over four days and saw 12 South Australian Christian schools compete in the inaugural SACSA event.

The Cedar squad trained for the five weeks leading up to the event, and I want to thank them for their dedication and effort. After 40 hours of hard-fought competition, Cedar finished second in the Boys division and fifth in the Girls division, resulting in an overall third place in the Rijken Cup.

Three Grand Finals

The major highlights of the week were the Cedar boys finishing first in basketball and netball, and the Cedar mixed touch football team finishing first in the last event on Friday.

Our Sports Captains have given a wrap-up of the week:

“The Rijken Cup helped develop a greater sense of community through sport. It was an amazing week and will be a highlight for years to come. I am so proud to be a part of this team as it was a great way to develop leadership skills and sportsmanship’ – Mikayla Jankovic.

“It was a really great atmosphere in which to develop friendships with our peers and other schools. The level of sportsmanship was great to witness, and it was definitely a key sporting memory during my time at Cedar. It is absolutely something younger year levels should look forward to.” – Manuela Wani-Kana.

Positive Culture

I would like to echo these comments by saying the week has built a positive sporting culture for students that will contribute to a firm foundation in the years to come. I was most encouraged by the pre-game and post-game pump up chants, seeing the students encouraging each other and supporting other schools and the respect shown to coaches and teammates.

I would like to thank Mr Lochie Jackman, Mr Tom Giles, Mrs Emma Shaw, Mr Herman du Preez, Mr Jon Dabrow, Mr Mitch Clisby and Mrs Michelle Green for giving their time to supervise, coach and develop the students.

Finally, a huge thank you to the team. Your efforts over the week were phenomenal, and I have been blessed to be a part of something so special.

Mrs Bek Robinson, Sports Co-ordinator Year 3–12