Cresta Shopping Centre hosted the men’s U21 Ergo Canoe Polo team on 31 May.
The team which consists of seven players –all young men – endured 12 hour on ergo machines in the hope of raising enough funds for their upcoming world championship in France.
Cresta customers were in awe and intrigued after they were given an opportunity to see what canoe polo is about. One sponsor commented that it seemed like a cross between rugby and ice hockey on water.
The fundraiser was organised by Jane and Nick Rodrigues who mentioned that they believe in empowering young people in sports.
Jane Rodrigues informed Randburg Sun that she wants more people to enjoy canoe polo and to embrace it. “I am a parent and I just want to promote sportsmanship and also to help the paddlers to go to France in September.”
One of the paddlers, Kevin Rodrigues told the paper that he enjoys the experience because it is different.
Kevin said: “The experience is beautiful and I would like people to join in the sports and embrace it.”
Assistance coach Warrick Holland agreed. “The experience is remarkable, We are very excited to show people what canoe polo is all about because not everyone knows about it. The purpose is to raise money for the world championship which is happening in September; we really need assistance so that we can compete with the world.”
The paddlers prepare every day by training at Emmarentia Dam.
The paddlers raise funds by giving away raffle tickets at R100 per ticket, putting people in line to win the main prize of R8 000.The draw will be done at the club on 28 August.
They also raise funds by selling tickets for R50 each to enter the draw to win an original painting by Mike Nicholas, and they sell portable phone chargers to assist the team to get to the championship in France.
Details: Email nickie@mweb.co.za
