WRC: Where discipline meets creativity and fun

Windhoek Rhythmic Club (WRC) was founded by Wietsa Snyman in 2012 and has since grown into one of the country’s premier rhythmic gymnastics institutions. The club currently boasts 68 gymnasts from Level 1 through to Senior Olympic Level.Snyman is one of the pioneers of the sport in the country, having established the rhythmic gymnastics section at the Windhoek Sport Club (SKW) in 1993. She began with only four gymnasts, including her daughter Trudy, who is now a certified national rhythmic gymnastics judge.With nearly three decades of coaching experience, Snyman holds an International Gymnastics Federation (FIG) brevet judge qualification and a Royal Academy of Dance (RAD) student teaching certificate.The qualified ballet teacher recalled being approached in 2012 to help launch a new rhythmic gymnastics club for a sport she describes as “an elegant and dynamic discipline.”Reflecting on her journey to becoming a qualified rhythmic gymnastics coach, Snyman said: “I am now a proud club owner. We have developed a strong and experienced team of gymnasts over the years.”Athlete developmentHer vision extends well beyond local displays of flexibility, artistry and apparatus mastery. “We do not just train gymnasts for local or continental competitions. We are dedicated to offering these athletes international exposure, ensuring they remain motivated and driven,” she said.Snyman leads the club alongside seasoned coaches Marlis Gerber and Emilia Ekandjo. “With Gerber set to leave for Germany soon, we were joined by a contingent of three experienced coaches. They are Kayla Fortuin, Gail-Lee Feris and Trusty Kavezuva.”Beyond competition, WRC invests in the future of the sport by guiding gymnasts who wish to transition into coaching.“We foster mentorship and leadership by providing several young gymnasts with the opportunity to train as coaches during their gap year. At WRC, balance is key.“We believe in hard work, dedication and having fun! Our athletes are not only trained in rhythmic gymnastics but are encouraged to grow into the best versions of themselves,” Snyman said.Stepping onto global stageOne of the club’s most recent highlights was its participation at the Angolan Gymnastics Federation’s (FAG) international tournament in April, which featured gymnasts from Brazil and Portugal.“We sent senior gymnasts Emilia Ekandjo, Peya Kashaka, Kenandjo Mupia and Taimi Nanyango, along with junior gymnast Karin Hamunjela,” she said.Over the years, WRC has travelled extensively to participate in international tournaments, including trips to Germany (2014), Egypt (2018), Switzerland (2020), Belgium (2021), Rwanda and Zimbabwe (2024).“Earlier this year, we competed in Egypt and Angola. We have also taken part in the South African (SA) Games, representing the country with other teams under the Namibian Gymnastics Federation (NGF),” Snyman noted.WRC gymnasts train from Monday to Friday, 14:00 to 19:30, at the Big Blue Hall in Olympia.Interested parents are welcome to contact the club at 081 127 7909.- mariud@nsh.com.na

WRC: Where discipline meets creativity and fun

Comments

Namibian Sun 2025-07-31

Please login to leave a comment

WRC: Where discipline meets creativity and fun

Comments

Namibian Sun 2025-07-31

Please login to leave a comment

Login