THE Lepront siblings of Warner Beach Preparatory, Luc (11) and Louise (9) have been chosen to represent the Ugu Surfriders Association and they will compete at the South African championships in Jeffreys Bay this October.
The duo continue to shine on all fields and will without a doubt do their parents, school, team and town proud this year.
Eldest Lepront sibling, Luc, was born in Ireland and began his life in South Africa at age two, when his parents Catherine and Julien immigrated here.
Aside from surfing, Luc and Louise do their fair share of swimming, cricket, netball, hockey, athletics, cross country, tennis, soccer, gymnastics, nippers and perform well in this broad range of activities. However surfing shines through as more than just a sport, and the Lepronts are excited for all the SA champs will hold in store for them.
Read also: Lepront siblings shine on all fields
This will be Luc’s second year competing at the championships, while it is Louise’s first time. Last year Luc didn’t achieve as well as he had hoped, but he looks forward to advancing further in this year’s contest.
Luc will compete in the U12 boys category, with Louise showing her mettle among the U14 girls.
“I hope to one day represent my country in surfing,” admitted Luc. “If I make it through to finals and perform well, that goal could be reached.” Louise explained that she loves being out in the surf, and her goal is to achieve the best she can and hopes to oneday go to the surfing world champs.
The family thanked Warner Beach Prep and their friends for the constant support, and paid gratitude to Jay’s Photography and Gee Surfboards.
Incase you missed this: Luc gears up for SA junior surfing champs
More on the Ugu Surfriding Association
Ugu Surfriders Association’s team manager, secretary and co-ordinator for the junior team, Claudia Attfield explained the role the district team has in the supporting of development surfers.
“We are the province that so far, every year has had development surfers in our team as well as, most likely the province with the biggest consistent contingent of development surfers,” she said.
“Last year we had five members of our team from disadvantaged backgrounds surfing for the district and this year four of the team members selected will be from a surfing development background.”
Claudia further explained problems faced.
“In the Ugu District, about 45% of our members are from a development backgrounds and all need financial support to enter trials, as well as need a lot of financial help to be able to surf premier events like the SA Surfing Championships.
What also makes it very difficult for our district is that these contests are held in Nahoon, East London and Jeffreys Bay respectively and the sheer costs of travel, transport and accommodation are a real burden on our association.
In our district however, we have been enforcing change and development and can now see many of the surfers show their talent with great results. This surge in skill as well as good results has kept paying members encouraged to support this decision taken by the Ugu Surfriders committee and to carry on supporting development in the sport.”
Every year the Ugu team does face a huge hurdle in trying to raise funds for surfers to get to the different sporting events. Fundraising once again falls on the shoulders of a few, who already are stretched financially to get their own children to SA champs.
The team appreciate any kind of donation and effort to help raise funds to be able to get a full team of surfers to SA Champs, enabling them to showcase the talent and skill our district really has.
Claudia Attfield-Fuchs on 039-682-4275 or at admin@attfield.co.za.
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