Dear Maties Gym member

As the month of love nears its end, we would like to welcome back all students to the start of the first semester. As we embark on this journey together, let’s approach it with enthusiasm, dedication, and a thirst for knowledge. Whether you’re returning or starting fresh, remember that each semester is a chance for growth, learning, and new experiences and we are ecstatic that Maties Gym can be part of your health and fitness journey.
Let’s support each other, collaborate, and strive for excellence in all that we do. Take advantage of the opportunities that come your way, challenge yourself, and don’t be afraid to ask for help when needed.
Maties Gym wishes you all a successful and fulfilling semester ahead. Let’s make it one to remember.

Following Maties Rugby, we welcome back the rest of our Maties Sports high-performance programs, such as hockey, netball, basketball, cricket, athletics, water polo, and soccer. Watch out for these teams in our high-performance centre over the coming months.

Visit our Maties Gym website to view our HP timetable.

Varsity Cup 2024

The Varsity Cup’s roots date back to 2008, when this tournament was established as a platform to elevate the standard of rugby played at university level in South Africa. Inspired by similar tournaments worldwide, the founders aimed to create a competitive environment where student-athletes could thrive academically and athletically. The organisation is passionate about keeping the spirit of sports alive and providing opportunities for young athletes to perform at their best.

The 2024 Varsity Cup rugby season will run from 19 February 2024 to 22 April 2024.
We wish the Maties Rugby team all the best for this competition. Bring the cup home!

Player profile: Paschal Ekeji

Maties Gym spent time with Varsity Cup and Western Province Currie Cup winger player Paschal Ekeji to hear about his inspirations and dreams. Let’s listen to what he has to say:

Maties Gym: What inspired you to pursue a rugby career?
Paschal: I was a kind of a weird kid growing up, and I often felt misunderstood. Rugby allowed me to express myself freely, and I fell in love with the sport.

Maties Gym: What advice would you give to aspiring rugby players who want to reach a professional level?
Paschal: Don’t give up. Often, people give up right before the door is opened. Keep knocking and giving it your best effort to understand the game and practice.

Maties Gym: Can you share a memorable moment in your career?
Paschal: I would say making my 1st team debut for Grey College. A lot of work and prayer went into that, and I felt so blessed to have pulled that jersey over my head.

Maties Gym: What do you think sets apart successful players from others?
Paschal: Attention to detail. I’ve been around some pretty good players, and what always stands out for me is their willingness to learn.

Maties Gym: Do you have any pre-game rituals or superstitions?
Paschal: Not really. I’ll video call my family and pray. That’s about it.

Join the Aquathon fundraiser and support our Paralympic athletes

We are thrilled to share exciting news about our upcoming Aquathon Fundraiser event, designed to make a splash for a cause that truly matters. This event aims to support two remarkable Paralympic athletes on their journey to success, Toni Mould, a paralympic cyclist, and Kerwin Noemdo, a paralympic shot-put athlete.
What is the Aquathon Fundraiser all about?
Our Aquathon will be in the form of an exciting aqua aerobics class lead by our incredible aqua instructor Annatjie Goedhals, bringing together participants of all levels to support our paralympic athletes on their journey to the Paris 2024 Olympics. Whether you’re a seasoned athlete or a first timer, this event is for everyone and we invite you to be a part of this meaningful initiative.

Date: 24 February 2024
Time: 11:00 – 13:30
Location: Coetzenburg Swimming Pool

About our paralympic athletes

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As a paralympic cyclist, Toni (photo, left) competed at the Tokyo Olympics in 2020, where she came 8th in the road race. She has also competed in various other para-cycling championships since 2015. She is currently training for the Paris 2024 Olympics and participate in as many events as possible, hoping to qualify to represent South Africa this year.

Kerwin (photo right) competes in the F46 category (amputation of the arm below the elbow) and has represented South Africa since the age of 17. He has since been to four World Championships and one Paralympic Games in Tokyo in 2020, where he finished 4th.

These athletes rely primarily on their funding through donations, sponsors, or other means to enter and travel to and from the events, locally and internationally.

Please join us and help these athletes to reach their dreams. Your participation and support will directly contribute to the training, equipment, and competition expenses of these two exceptional athletes.  By joining the Aquathon, you’re not just taking part in a fun and invigorating event, but also helping pave the way for these athletes to achieve their dreams on the global stage.

How Can You Get Involved

Participate:  Participate as an individual or gather a team to take on the Aquathon.
Donate: Can’t make it to the event? You can still make a difference by contributing to our fundraising efforts by making a monetary donation.
Spread the Word: Share this invitation with your friends, family, and colleagues who might be interested in supporting this cause.

How do I donate:

1. Scan the QR code or click on the link below to donate, from the comfort of your home or office.

2. Scan the QR to enter the swimming pool area on the day of the event.

3. You donate what you can- no minimum or maximum donation amounts.

4. Please reference your payment as follows: ATHLETE24

Let’s make waves for a cause! We look forward to seeing you at the Aquathon!

Facility update: Ladies changeroom

The ladies changeroom refurbishment is still underway and will be completed in the week of 4 March 2024.  During this time, please use the Sports Science changing rooms on the ground level next to the outdoor pool, which remains fully operational.  We thank you for your patience during this time and the wait will be well worth it.

New lockers for valuable items have been installed outside the men’s and ladies’ changing rooms. Please bring your padlock and ensure your belongings are always locked away securely.

Age restrictions and guidelines for
our junior Maties Gymnasium members

At Maties Gym the safety of all our members is our greatest concern.  Please make sure our junior members are aware of the regulations and age restrictions that apply to some areas and equipment. Please take note of the following:

Children under 10 years of age:

They may use the indoor and the outdoor pools — under adult supervision.
No members under the age of 10 are allowed to take part in group exercise classes.
No members under the age 10 are allowed on any cardiovascular or strength equipment.
Members under 10 years of age can make use of the Blousaal floor only when there are no scheduled classes and while under adult supervision.

Children aged 10-13 years:

They may use the following under adult supervision:

• the Blousaal floor, including the equipment.
• the indoor and the outdoor pools.
• cardiovascular equipment — excluding treadmills; and
• the indoor running track;

Children aged 14-15 years:

They may use the following:

• the Blousaal floor and equipment
• all cardiovascular equipment, including treadmills;
• Indoor running track;
• resistance training equipment (fixed machines only); and
• they may participate in group exercise classes.

Children aged 16 years and older:

They may use all facilities and equipment, including free weights, group exercise classes and spinning, without supervision.

If you are stuck…

Online registration and sign-up