Medals galore for Winkle SLC lifies and nippers
On Saturday the juniors and seniors competed in some of the most trying conditions at a competition in many years.
WINKLESPRUIT Surf Lifesaving Club was there in full force this past weekend, when KZN South Surf Lifesaving Championships were held at St Michaels Beach.
On Saturday the juniors and seniors competed in some of the most trying conditions at a competition in many years.
The standout star for Winkle was junior Gene Prato, who won many events, including the senior single ski race and the prestigious Iron Man event. Gene was named U19 male competitor of the competition.
Not to be outdone, his sister Terri-Lee Prato was named U17 female competitor of the competition. There were many more outstanding efforts resulting in the seniors ending third overall and the juniors second to Margate Saints by a mere five points. Well done to Warnadoone SLC in winning the seniors.
That was the competition part of the weekend and by all accounts, the rest of the weekend seemed to be enjoyed by the team. As they say ‘what happens on tour, stays on tour’ but listening into the fines evening, a few awards normally handed out at the annual prize-giving at the club are already taken.
On Sunday it was the turn of the nippers, and luckily the conditions had improved. For most of the children it was their first competition.
Team manager Gary Barber was extremely proud of the effort of every child. The standout competitor was Jenna Nel in the U11 girls event, where she won three golds, two silvers and claimed the competitor of the competition in this age group. Mention must be made of the win in the U14 beach relay. This included Kegan Lloyd who ended up in an ambulance after the second event but was still determined to compete. The rest of the team Daniel Rohde, Bryce Land and Jarrod Lawerence were ecstatic with their win. Jarrod then delivered on his promise of a medal in the U14 long run by finishing second. Winkle came fourth overall, with Scottburgh winning the competition. Well done to them.
The next event on the calendar is the annual Winkle-Toti-Winkle ski race, which is sponsored by Lords and Legends and Hypersure Insurance Brokers. This event, held each year on Monday, 16 December, includes some serious cash and lucky draw prizes. It promises to be a great race.
To the general public, get down to the beach on 16 December to watch some serious racing and support lifesaving.
