The father and son team of Grant and Justin Dekker today left for Colombia, South America, where they are taking part in the 2016 World BMX Championships.
Justin, a 16-year-old Dundee High scholar who is also an epilepsy sufferer, is racing in two classes – the 20 inch class for the men’s age group, 17 to 24, – against 117 competitors from around the world.
He is also competing in the 17-24 years for men in the 24-inch category.
He is first race is next Thursday and the second race on Friday.
Dad, Grant, a veteran BMX rider, is racing next Friday in the 45 years and older age group.
“This has taken lots of planning and we are proud to representing South Africa, epilepsy South Africa and Dundee in Colombia. We are also grateful to Orange Grove for the sponsorship who have come on board,” Grant told the Courier shortly before leaving for the airport.
Justin, the confident but quietly spoken Grade 11 pupil at Dundee High School, recently became the youngest Epilepsy, South Africa, ambassador in the country. The honour was bestowed on him two years ago when he approached Epilepsy SA to ask permission to wear their logo on this BMX outfit. In March, Justin was invited to address 400 delegates Government’s Disability Rights Summit in Johannesburg