Local wrestlers compete against the best in the world
Elsburg Wrestling Club wrestlers Lezandri Zandberg and Francois Joubert recently competed in the 17th annual Gymnasiade Games.
The 17th annual Gymnasiade Games, an Olympics for youngsters, promised to be a highlight on the African school sports calendar, with this year’s prestigious event being held from May 2 to 9 in the “red city” of Morocco in Marrakech.
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The event, held only a few months before the 2018 Youth Olympics, was organised and hosted by the International School Sport Federation (ISF), whose main motto is to “Educate through sport”, offered young athletes from all around the world an opportunity to come together and experience the spirit of international competition, fair play, friendship and cultural diversity.
Elsburg Wrestling Club wrestlers Francois Joubert and Lezandri Zandberg were two of the competitors at the tough competition and saw it as an opportunity to wrestle against the best in the world in their respective age categories.
Joubert finished fourth overall.
“This is a wonderful result as it was his very first tour overseas.
“Though he was very pleased with the results, he feels he could have done better and said he knows what areas he needs to work on to better his performance,” said coach Tobie Alberts.
Zandberg placed fifth overall in her weight division.
“In her attempt to defend her legs against the best leg attackers in her weight class she lost concentration and this slip led to her defeat.
“But this has not damped her spirits and she is focusing on bettering not just her skills on the mat but her mental strength too,” said Alberts.
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Alberts is grateful the pair had the chance to participate in a competition of this level.
“Experience gained can’t be bought, even if you have all the money in the world,” he said.
Club chairperson Johan Zandberg and the club as a whole are extremely proud of both Joubert and Zandberg.
Going forward, Alberts plans to work hard on the wrestlers’ defence and other areas they have identified problems in.
The Elsburg Wrestling Club, located in Mare Street in Elsburg train on Tuesday and Thursday evenings from 6pm to 8pm.
“We are appealing to young and old to come and try out our wonderful sport,” said Alberts.
For more information on the club call Lindy Venter on 083 266 2242 or head coach Chris Sutton on 082 304 9550.
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