Championships float like a butterfly

A competition rising above all others.

On October 10, four days of ballooning culminated with the prize-giving of the 37th annual National Hot Air Balloon Championships in Newcastle.

For competitors, it was a time of celebration.

With more than a dozen balloons and respective crews competing, the championships saw 11 official entries soaring across the Newcastle skies morning and afternoon throughout the competition.

At the prize-giving, coordinator, Johan Pieters toasted success.

“We are all like a big family now, where we can rely on each other for assistance and help. The event would not have been possible without all hands.”

Event director of the championships, Mathijs de Bruin of the Netherlands saluted the ‘great bunch of competitors’, and congratulated all on a fantastic event.

Then the big moment – the announcement of the winners and prize recipients.

It was a joyous moment for Bothaville’s Danie Minnaar, who was first overall and will represent South Africa at the World Hot Air Balloon Championships.

Second place went to 23-year-old Japie Leipoldt, from the North West.

With the announcement of Richard Bovell in third place, it was also revealed the 2016 National Hot Air Balloon Championships return to Newcastle for a third consecutive year.

The provisional date is April 26.

Pilot, Felicity Clegg closed the formalities with a vote of thanks and to all who demonstrated the true spirit of ballooning.

“Get a flexible, well-paying job and rather fly for fun,” she concluded, to thunderous applause.

(For more photos, click on the links above)