Gauteng paddlers were hesitant to participate in Victoria Lake Canoe Club’s (VLC) recent race meeting on Germiston Lake, due to the icy wind that chased through Gauteng the previous day.
“The dam was glassy smooth on race day, which had paddlers shed their warm beanies and gloves after the first lap of the impressive dam,” said the Gauteng Canoe Union’s public relations officer, Jennie Dallas.
The first finisher from VLC, Greg Smith, partnered with Gavin Steyl to finish in two hours and three minutes, as the third sub-veterans.
The 24km race was won by paddlers from Dabulamanzi Canoe Club, in Emmarentia, with Centurion paddlers finishing second and Benoni paddlers third.
“The highlight of the day was the junior races, with brave young paddlers from age seven eagerly lining up to participate in their age appropriate distance races,” said Dallas.
“The NSRI boats cruised, watching carefully in case quick rescues were needed to avoid prolonged exposure in the cold water.
“All juniors up to 18 years of age participated in the races and, through their club training programmes and monthly races they’ll evolve to be elite athletes.”
VLC’s young Kanyisa Mancoba, from Germiston High School, was the first u-18 finisher in the 24km main race while, in the junior races, St Catherine’s student Jaemi Wellisch won a silver medal in the u-14 girls’ race.
New paddlers from the local club included Ayanda Mgwenya, who finished fourth in the u-12 girls race, while Bondile Ndlovu was the sixth male finisher in the u-8 category; both juniors attend Germiston South Primary School.
“Points earned on a sliding scale accumulate throughout the year for the prize-giving in November, when schools are recognised for accumulated achievements from pupils represented,” explained Dallas.
“Clubs that provide coaching and training opportunities also get recognition.”
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Silver medal for VLC youngster
