Cuan sets his sight on Japan
Community members are asked to rally behind Cuan to see him play baseball oversees.
Cuan Hoffmann has been invited by Caliendo Sports International to join Team USA at their International Baseball and Cultural Tour to Japan in August.
The 14-year-old baseball player is from Giants and Imps Baseball Club in Edenvale.
Cuan is currently raising funds to help him get to Japan.
Community members are asked to rally behind Cuan to see him play baseball overseas.
Also read: SA baseball players hope to hit a home run
“Having the opportunity of going to Japan this year is the highlight of my sporting career,” said Cuan.
Funds raised will cover flights, transfers, transport, uniform, meals, accommodation, tours and visa costs.
The fund-raising target is R65 000 with R7 440 donated already.
“I would like to become a veterinarian and baseball could be my ticket to go study overseas,” said Cuan.
The baseball enthusiast started playing the sport at the age of five.
He said he started playing baseball because he thought it was a cool game and people had fun playing it.
Also read: Edenvale baseball players shine at World Cup
The King Edward VII School learner has been selected every year for the regional and provincial teams since 2012.
At the Giants and Imps Baseball Club he was awarded the most valuable player for 2018/2019, 2016/2017 and best batter for 2017/2018.
At the Gauteng Provincial Baseball Council, Cuan was awarded the top pitcher for u-15 2018/2019 and selected for the u-15 National Baseball Championship Tournament Team for 2019.
“I am proud of my accolades because I have worked hard for them,” said Cuan.
Kate Hoffman, Cuan’s mom, said she and his dad are proud of Cuan’s achievements and dedication.
“Sport has been a part of his life from a very young age and has helped mould him to who he is today and given him aspirations for the future. It’s time-consuming getting to training and games, but it so rewarding to watch him perform on the field,” said Kate.
Also read: U/18s to take on the world
Baseball is a peripheral sport in South Africa, meaning local, provincial and national tours are self-funded as the sport receives no funding from national government.
Cuan said he would like to see baseball progress with more people playing because there are less and less people every year in SA.
“South African Baseball is making a name for themselves internationally and it would be amazing if the sport received more recognition,” said Cuan.
To help Cuan reach his goal of playing international baseball visit www.backabuddy.co.za
