Springs Pigeon Racing Club is more than 80 years old
Pigeon racing one of the oldest sports in the world.
To those who take part, such as Marco Mulder, who is the chairman of the Springs Pigeon Racing Club, it’s not just a sport, but a lifestyle.
“I started doing this at the age of six and I have a huge passion for it.
“It’s one of the wonders of the world,” says Mulder.
Pigeon racing is the sport of releasing specially trained racing pigeons.
At one liberation (the starting point of the race), there can be as many as 2 000 pigeons released.
The birds are then supposed to fly over a specified distance.
To keep track of the pigeons, each one wears a ring that enables the fancier (the owner of the pigeon) to keep track of the bird.
The first pigeon to return home is the winner.
Contrary to popular belief, pigeon racing is not an easy sport as there is a lot of preparation before the race and the birds require special care.
“The pigeons are vaccinated against certain diseases and during the year are randomly tested for banned substances.
“After races, they need to be hydrated, given food that is easy to digest and a relaxing bath on their off days.
“To do well in the races, a fancier must adapt with time and constantly do research,” says the secretary of the East Rand Racing Pigeon Federation (OERF), Rona Grundeling.
The average racing span of a racing pigeon is 12 years.
The Springs Pigeon Racing Club, which is based in Selcourt, has been in existence for 80 years and is trying to grow the sport among the younger generation.
“It’s a family sport and there are a lot of old fanciers who will help you if you want to get into the sport.
“We have been working with Samuel Mbiza in Soweto to train and help the younger fanciers there,” says Grundeling.
To find out more about the sport, contact Grundeling on 083 969 6092.
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