Pienaar’s son rows into history

Stephane breaks world record with physical achievement

STEPHANE Pienaar, son of former Springbok captain Francois Pienaar, has scripted his own bit of sporting history.

The Grade 12 pupil at Bishops Diocesan College has set a world record for the individual 24-hour row, officially gaining the title of the Concept 2 world record holder for the men’s under19 and 75kg+ category. Over 24 hours, Stephane rowed 267 001m, beating the previous mark, set by Charles Gruber from the US, by 1 507m. In addition to setting the record, he raised over R1.2 million for the Make a Difference Leadership Foundation founded by his father.

Stephane was selected for the junior SA rowing team last year to compete at the World Championships in Rotterdam. He embarked on a journey of relentless training for the individual 24-hour row and his efforts paid off.

“I wanted to really make a difference and raise a significant amount of funds for Make A Difference Leadership Foundation. My goal was to support the academic and leadership development of one talented scholar from high school to the end of their tertiary studies.

“It was incredibly tough, but I am very pleased with the result and extremely thankful to all those who contributed.”

“Mr Nelson Mandela once said that education is the most powerful weapon to change the world.

“There are so many young leaders out there who cannot afford a quality education, and I am incredibly honoured to be able to help at least one.”

Bishops Diocesan College headmaster Guy Pearson described Stephane’s achievement as “the greatest single physical achievement by a Bishops boy, in the school’s 168-year history”. – WAY reporter

Steenberg High School has officially opened its music and arts centre, built by Peninsula Beverages in partnership with the Rotary Club of Newlands.

PICTURES: CINDY WAXA/ANA Lorenzo Dampies and Ronaldo Van Rooyen during the official opening.