Experience galore
EMMARENTIA – Young canoeists continue to wave the country flag at international tournaments.
Paddlers had the chance to compete against the best in the world.
Fifteen young paddlers of Dabulamanzi Canoe Club got to pit their skills against the best in the world at the Olympic Hopes Regatta recently hosted in the Czech Republic. Gauteng Canoe Union spokesperson Jennie Dallas said the canoeists, who received coaching and training opportunities at the Emmarentia Dam-based club, have been participating in several international races in recent weeks ranging from K1s to K4s over distances from 200m to 1 000m.
Dallas said, “This regatta gives the paddlers the opportunity to test themselves against their counterparts from around the world and assess their abilities as they begin their international sprinting careers.”
In the boys division there were 10 paddlers from U 15 to U 17 with De La Salle Holy Cross College’s Finlay Leask joining the team after he competed in the ICF Junior and U23 Sprint World Championships in Portugal a week before. A strong group of girls, including Caitlyn Evans of St Teresa School, were also ready to make their international debuts.
Dallas concluded, “The South African team rose to the occasion and achieved good positions in the various races they competed in, managing to make it to the semi-finals and finals while gaining extensive experience in international racing etiquette.”
