Korfball enthusiasts reminisce about bringing the game to the Lowveld
Martie and Leif wanted to start something that would bring families together, as family life is very important to them.
Martie Vitus discovered her love of korfball earlier in her school years. In 1958 her team was chosen to represent their region. Unfortunately the school could not participate because one boy was diagnosed with polio and the school was placed under quarantine.
The Vitus family moved to White River in 1976 and started korfball in town in 1979. Martie and Leif wanted to start something that would bring families together, as family life is very important to them. They had four teams: girls, boys, ladies and men.
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They started playing at the White River Primary School courts at night with the floodlights hanging from the roof of a classroom. In 1980 the local municipality built two courts with floodlights and a small clubhouse near the town tennis courts.
“We played league against Barberton, Nelspruit, Sabie, Komatipoort, Malelane, Lydenburg and Watervalboven,” Martie said.
The Vitus family stopped playing in 1992 and the Van Rooyen family continued. Martie and Leif revisited the facility a few years ago, and were shocked to see that it was so dilapidated.
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At that time korfball had been discontinued. They were glad to see it restarted in 1995, and it is still continuing as a great family game at the White River Primary tennis courts.
