About Aerial Sports South Africa (ASSA)
Aerial Sports South Africa (ASSA) is the official federation for pole and aerial sports in South Africa. As a recognised member of the Pole Sports and Arts World Federation (POSA), we are focused on developing the sport at every level – from amateur participation to elite international competition.
Our goal is to build a sustainable future for pole and aerial sports in South Africa: one that welcomes diverse athletes, nurtures local talent, and shifts outdated perceptions of our sport. While interest in the sport is growing, access to structured training and competitive opportunities remains limited. ASSA is working to change that by setting standards, creating pathways, and advocating for recognition both locally and abroad.
ASSA was founded by Chantal Cornelissen, a multiple World Champion and internationally recognised competitor in pole and aerial sport. Under her leadership, ASSA is dedicated to creating opportunities for athletes to train, compete, and succeed. Through our national competitions, athletes can qualify to represent South Africa at the prestigious POSA World Championships across Aerial Sport, Pole Sport, and Pole Art. Those who have represented South Africa under the ASSA banner have consistently excelled on the world stage, earning multiple international medals to date.
POSA World Pole Art Championships – Cape Town, South Africa (Nov 2025)
🥇 Gold – Stella van Duuren • Women’s Amateur Varsity
🥉 Bronze – Isla Chiworeso • Women’s Amateur Varsity
🥇 Gold – Chantal Cornelissen • Women’s Competitive Masters 40+
🥈 Silver – Suné Dahms • Women’s Masters 40+ Amateur
POSA Pole & Aerial Sport World Championships – Budapest, Hungry (2025)
🥈 Silver – Chantal Cornelissen • Hoop Sport – Women’s Competitive Masters 40+
🥈 Silver – Chantal Cornelissen • Pole Sport – Women’s Competitive Masters 40+
POSA Aerial Art World Championships – Cesenatico, Italy (2025)
🥈 Silver – Renate Steynberg • Hoop Art 40+ Competitive Division
POSA Pole & Aerial Sport World Championships – Cesenatico, Italy (2024)
🥈 Silver – Chantal Cornelissen • Hoop Sport – Women’s Competitive Masters 40+
POSA Aerial Art World Championships – Athens, Greece (2024)
🥇 Gold – Stella van Duuren • Women’s Amateur Varsity
🥉 Bronze – Renate Steynberg • Hoop Art 40+ Amateur Division
POSA World Pole Art Championships – Barcelona, Spain (2023)
🥉 Bronze – Monique Wastie • 40+ Masters Amateur Division
🥉 Bronze – Fern Hartley • Amateur Senior Division
🥉 Bronze – Chantal Cornelissen • 40+ Masters Competitive Division
POSA World Pole Art Championships – Cesenatico, Italy (2022)
🥇 Gold – Chantal Cornelissen • 40+ Masters Competitive Division
We invite athletes, coaches, partners and supporters to be part of this growing movement – and help shape the future of aerial sports in South Africa.
UPCOMING EVENTS:
WORLD CHAMPIONSHIPS:
Aerial Art World Championship (Cesenatico, Italy)
28 – 31 October and 1 November 2026
Pole Art World Championship 2026 (Seoul, Republic of Korea)
11-14 November 2026
Pole Sport World Championship (Vantaa, Finland)
26-29 November 2026
Aerial Sport World Championship 2026 (Loutraki, Greece)
9-13 December 2026