Caitlyn Morgan and Emile Kleynhans represented South Africa at the 15th PAMA Global Abacus and Mental Arithmetic Competition 2015 in San Jose, California on 29 December last year.
Caitlyn from Randpark (11) and Emile from Robindale (9) both took the very long plane ride to the USA. At the Culture Centre of Taipei Economic and Cultural Office in San Jose, California, they got to compete in their age groups. The competition involved a series of abacus maths sums ranging in difficulty in each age group.
Emile participated in Group B, which is for children born after 1 January 2006 but before 31 December 2007. Caitlyn participated in Group C, which is for children born after 1 January 2004 but before 31 December 2005. They both competed against competitors from countries all over the world to ultimately be crowned the ‘Champion of Champions’ in their group.
Caitlyn, who goes to Weltevreden Park Primary School said, “I couldn’t believe I was there and I wasn’t as nervous as I thought I would be.” She added that they made a lot of new friends at the competition. Her father Dion Morgan added, “I am so incredibly proud of Caitlyn; it has been an unbelievable experience and we are eternally grateful to our sponsor.” Caitlyn initially won fourth place in San Jose but a miscalculation occurred resulting in her winning the bronze medal for Group C.
Kleynhans, who attends Laerskool Unika, has been practising CMaths for about four years. In San Jose he was awarded the bronze medal which was recalculated to a silver medal for group B. His father Karno Kleynhans said, “I’m absolutely proud of my son; it has been a privilege to have had this experience.” He added how Kleynhans was excited to represent his school and his country.
Both Caitlyn and Emile will continue to practise CMaths and hope to qualify for the next competition at the end of the year.
Details: www.pamaglobal.org or CMaths, admin@cmaths.co.za or 086 117 3627.
