Make Florida Great Again (MFGA) in partnership with water sports, netball as well as scouts clubs will be hosting a joint Spring Open Day from 10:00 on Saturday, September 3.
Die organisers encourage members of the community to come and experience dragon boats, exhibitions, try out some canoeing, see the Florida Sea Scouts in action, interact with the anglers and much more.
According to Jennie Dallas, one of the organisers, Scouts have a variety of learning options available including rowing, sailing, canoeing and raft building, and earning badges that exposes participants to numerous activities including cooking, making fires safely, fishing and putting up tents – all important life skills.
Dragon boating is a team option that originates from the East. It is immense fun for corporates and companies as well as schools to use for team-building.
“Angling is an important sport monitored at the lake for the safety of the fish and birds. The environment is essential to save the future of our world, and City Parks rules are strictly catch-and-release, so the fish need to be released safely and unharmed back into their natural environment,’’ said Dallas.
The anglers teach about the correct way to fish, the correct safe equipment and how to preserve the opportunities for the future generations.
There are netball and soccer groups that train at the lake as well, and at Florida Lake Canoe Club all ages can learn kayaking – fast-racing canoes – and children from under the age of eight can participate in the Gauteng Canoe Union schools league and earn points for the schools they represent.
Paddlers can also be introduced to white water/ rapids and river paddling. Numerous Gauteng paddlers participate in international competitions such as Olympic Hopefuls and World Marathon Championships, and interprovincial opportunities for racing are also available.
“Technique is important to be able to master a boat on the water, so is steering but learners start by mastering balance as the boat is on ever-moving water, a bit like sitting on a balancing ball at the gym,” added Dallas.
For more information on the Open Day and the learner introduction sessions members of the community are advised to contact Jennie Dallas on 082 857 8571 or Neville Solomon on 074 127 6439.
