Drummies bag champions trophy at KZN tourney

YELLOWWOOD Park Primary’s drum majorettes bagged the title of champions of champions after their second consecutive win at the annual KZN Majorette and Cheerleading Finals at Dokkies in Glenwood on Saturday, 1 June. The team of 31 learners clinched the trophy based on the sum of their scores in various majorette competitions throughout the season, beating eight other teams at a 10-hour provincial tournament.

Coaches Samantha Nicholson and Cate D’Offay said they were thrilled with the win and attributed the team’s success to hard work and commitment. “We’re the reigning champions for two years in a row now and it’s a collaborative effort, where it doesn’t take just the team to win but it’s the coaches, the support from the parents and their commitment to make everything we’re doing possible,” she said.

“We could have the display and pictures in our minds but without the girls, we’re nothing. They’re the one who execute the idea that we want the judges to see and the spectators to become a part of,” Nicholson added.

The team was ranked first for baton, non-prop, large drill leader and squad, and came second for mace group, flag group, sub-leader, display elements and overall for large drill.

Coach D’Offay said drum majoretting can go a long way. “This sport teaches girls a lot of respect and time management. And these are not just values that help them in the sport but these are things that they can apply in life, emotionally and physically – it’s an all-rounder. Some of the girls don’t come from ideal backgrounds and for them to be a part of a sport that encourages all those aspects and is built on team building, you become a second family to that and I think that we are not a team but we are family,” she said.

The team of 31is also coached by Gugu Khuboni and Bongi Khumalo and is a mixture of age groups ranging from grade three to seven. “All those age groups intermingling and the older girls being mentors to the younger girls, you have your idols within your team,” added D’Offay.

The majorettes will make a bid for the national title at a tournament to be held in East London later this month. The competition will run from Sunday, 23 to Tuesday, 25 June and appeal for any form of sponsorship. “Our school is previously disadvantaged, we don’t have the complete financial backing to get all the things we need to further our sport. We’re always looking for anything we can get help with, be it monetary or any kind of assistance. Every bit helps and we will greatly appreciate it.

The coaches expressed their thanks to sports co-ordinator, Sally Goodwin, the school principal, senior management and parents for being a vital part of the sport.

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