Yes, I canoe…
EMMARENTIA - Canoeist Dugan Afonso aims to paddle his way to the top.
A water warrior is what Dabulamanzi Canoe Club’s Dugan Afonso becomes as soon as he slides himself into his canoe.
The Victory House Private School Grade 12 pupil has soared in the sport of canoeing and the sky is a mere stepping stone for this ambitious lad.
Afonso’s career as a canoeist is fairly new but for him, novelty is not synonymous with underachievement.
“I got involved in canoeing through my uncle and cousin, who were involved in a couple of events and challenged me to paddle with them when I was in Grade 7.”
Since then, Afonso has been paddling from strength to strength, with the Junior and Under 23 Canoe Sprint World Championships held in Canada being at the top of his highlights list.
“My personal goal that I have had for a few years was to represent South Africa in the Junior World Championships that took place in early August [2013]. I was chosen for the K1 1000m and K4 1000m disciplines.”
The K1 discipline involves a single paddler while the K4 involves a team of four. Going into the competition as the underdog, Dugan achieved an impressive 8th place in the semi-finals.
Afonso has managed to juggle the responsibilities of being deputy head boy, school and training at the Emmarentia based club and participating in tournaments in and outside South African borders.
“He managed by having a bulldog for a mother,” joked Afonso’s mother, Ursula Afonso.
Afonso’s mother has been his biggest cheerleader and his coach, Volker Eberler, has done more than enough to help ensure that he is above par.
For Afonso, a professional career in canoeing would be ideal although the sport is trailing behind others in recognition and favour in South Africa at the moment.
“There is a very large gap in South Africa as opposed to some parts of Europe where you could say it’s their main sport. I personally think there should be more media coverage because I don’t think people know about it,” Afonso suggested.
Until canoeing becomes a sport big enough to build a professional career around it, Afonso intends to further his studies and continue participating in tournaments, including the Rio Olympics.
Details: www.dabulamanzi.co.za.
