SARNIA Primary School is proud of their two Grade 7 pupils, Ryan Perry and Sachin Ramgoon.
Ryan is a BMX rider who took part in a BMX event and came in the top 10 in Africa.
Sachin is a KZN chess player who recently took part in the FIDE World Youth Chess Championship in Durban which had grandmasters from around the world coming to South Africa to participate.
Ryan, who is the member of Lahee Park BMX Club, started riding BMX at the beginning of this year.
Kovin Moodley, Sarnia Primary School sports coordinator said Ryan took part in a national race in Queensburgh and finished second against U13s.
“He then took part in a second national race in Kempton Park and was third against U14s.
“He was selected to attend the BMX SA Championships where he finished sixth in South Africa. That granted him entry into the African continental championships where he finished fifth in Africa.
“An outstanding achievement considering he only started at the beginning of this year,” said Moodley.
Ryan said he looks up to Kyle Dodd who is an elite rider in South Africa.
“He tries to modify his style of riding and is enthralled by his ability to manipulate the bike throughout the race,” said Ryan.
Tim O’ Brien, the BMX coach from Lahee Park, has been an incredible influence on Ryan.
“Ryan loves his tough approach because it makes him push himself even more,” added Moodley
The school chess champ, Ryan won the Gelofte chess tournament in which all primary schools participated earlier this year.
He was selected as a Durban and Districts chess player for the fifth year in a row.
He was selected as the KZN champion in the U14 age group despite being a year younger.
Moodley said this year Sachin has been part of the U13A cricket, hockey, tennis and soccer teams for Sarnia Primary. “He was selected to represent the Highway soccer team at the KZN trials earlier this year as well as the Pinetown and Districts hockey team.
“Surprisingly he has managed to balance all these activities and still remain driven to achieve his goal of becoming a KZN chess champion,” said Moodley.
