When the pandemic first hit the country and the sudden implementation of lockdown level 5, Lifesaving South Africa had to postpone the South African National Lifesaving Champs which was due to happen a few weeks after the President declared the first national lockdown.
Eventually Lifesaving South Africa decided that the SA Champs will be held in October this year.
So, after nearly two years of no competition for members, and despite the fact that no spectators were allowed, Scottburgh Surf Lifesaving Club sent a small group of athletes to represent the club.
The team consisted of eight seniors led by Junior Club captain Ayanda Mthimkhulu, one Nipper and one Master.
The competition was fierce and despite miserable conditions, the seniors achieved very good results and fought hard against the best competitors in the country. Scottburgh Surf seniors and junior members should be congratulated for outstanding effort.
There has been a massive resurgence in the training and competitive aspects of the club and it looks forward to many medals in the future.
Tyne Van Achtenberg was the only Nipper representing Scottburgh Surf for the last time in this category before moving to the Junior team.
His major goal was to get a gold medal for Iron Nipper under 14, but he did way better than that!
He won bronze for board race, silver for surf swim and run/swim/run. He finished as second best male competitor in his age group. So a massive congratulations to him!
To finish, Bruce Roberts competed in the Masters event after spending the week on the beach as a technical official for the Seniors, Juniors and Nippers.
He won four gold medals for surf ski, board race, long run and beach sprint!
Bruce should be congratulated not only for his results, but for his dedication to the lifesaving movement.
Without spectators and a crowd to cheer the competitors on, the Scottburgh Surf Lifesaving Club community remained very vocal on social media throughout the event with messages and support. The team thanks all supporters for their efforts.
The summer season is in full swing and any members of the community interested in joining Scottburgh Surf can contact the club secretary, Morgane Petit by email: secretary.sslckzn@gmail.com.
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