Gauteng actor claims eleven medals on world stage

Van Riebeeck Park resident Ruanco Ueckermann (14) walked away with 11 medals at the World Performing Arts Championships held in Los Angeles from July 18 to August 5.

ALSO READ: Local kickboxer scoops four medals

The Grade 8 learner from Leeuwenhof Akademie in Bedfordview was part of team South Africa that competed against 28 other countries on the world stage.

Ruanco was also one of a few actors who received a scholarship from the New York Film Academy for a 6-week drama workshop.

The actor received one gold, seven silver and three bronze medals in the acting division.

According to his mother, Alet, the championships were a life-changing opportunity for Ruanco and a huge boost for his confidence.

“Ruanco joined Kempton Park Eisteddfod at the age of four.

“Because he was a very shy child and could not confidently assert himself with peers and grown-ups, I enrolled him in a drama school to help him with his confidence.

ALSO READ: Kempton Rugby calls on young potential to join the club

“He had a natural talent on stage. At the age of seven, he started participating in the South African Championships of Performing Arts, representing CJ Cilliers Drama Studio. During this time, he won 78 gold medals, 43 silver medals and nine bronze medals.

“He was chosen as male junior overall grand champion in the acting division from the age five to 30 and older in 2020 and 2021,” said Alet.

Ruanco featured in local films such as Kampterrein, Stroomop, Begrond, About a Boy and has also done television series, which include Spoorloos and most recently the series on Netflix called Ludik with well-known South African Arnold Vosloo.

He has done short films for Silwerskermfees, some television commercials and also featured in Generations.

The humbled medalist said preparing for the world championships was hard work as he had to participate in the qualifying round to participate nationally.

“I feel blessed and humbled to have participated in the world championships as this has been a dream that I have chased since I started participating in the South African Championships.

“I had the opportunity to meet and learn from my peers across the globe and the workshops presented at the world championships made a big impression on me,” said Ruanco.

Ruanco will again participate in the South African Championships of Performing Arts in Rustenburg at the end of September.

ALSO READ: Kempton takes beating from Edenvale Football Club

In this weeklong event, performers showcase their talent in acting, dancing, instrumentals, modelling and vocals for the big prize, which is a fully paid trip to Los Angeles to compete in the world championships.

Ruanco hopes to win this title soon as he dreams of going to the world championships again and obtaining a full scholarship to one of the prestigious film academies in pursuing his dream of performing on the big screen.

Also follow us on: