Protea colours for Curro Heuwelkruin’s Calvin Dias

POLOKWANE – Calvin Dias is a Curro Heuwelkruin learner who received his Protea colours at an annual gala function hosted by the SA Modern Pentathlon Association.

These colours were awarded by the South African Sports Confederation and Olympic Committee for the junior biathle, junior triathle and junior laser run disciplines. This prestige evening took place on April 7 at Somerset College in the Western Cape.

In August, Dias competed in the Laser Run World Cup in Bath, UK and in November he travelled to Nusa Dua, Bali to compete in the UIPM Biathle and Triathle World Championships.

Read more: Kruinies’ Calvin off to Laser Run world championships in the UK

“When I heard I would receive these colours, I felt proud. It came as a huge surprise. Once I found out that I would be receiving junior Protea colours for all three disciplines, I felt ecstatic and blessed.”

Due to the Gr 12 exams, Dias will not be able to compete in any upcoming world championship events this year as most of the events clash with the exam dates.

“My focus this year is mainly on my academics. My upcoming events that I will most possibly be competing in, will be in 2025. I am looking at competing in the full pentathlon next year with hopes of qualifying for the Olympic Games one day.”

It was the first time for Dias to compete in the Laser Run World Championships and he says it was an amazing experience.

“Bath is a beautiful city, a living museum. I competed fiercely on the world stage in a highly competitive field. At first, I was a bit nervous because I had never shot under that amount of pressure before but the nerves settled once I made it through to finals after securing my spot as one of the top 16 athletes that made it through to the semi-final of about 40 athletes.”

During the UIPM Biathle and Triathle World Championships, there were 450 athletes from 34 nations. Dias says this also was an amazing experience as the running course was a mix of sand, grass and asphalt.

“The ocean currents set a stern swimming test in hot and humid conditions and the competition served up a highly demanding test of athleticism. What also made the experience more memorable is the fact that I received a bronze medal for the mixed relay with my partner Stephanie Verschoor from Afrikaans Hoër Meisieskool in the biathle mixed relay.”

Primary School sport organiser at Curro Heuwelkruin, Oliver Moorcroft, congratulated Dias on his achievements.

“On behalf of Heuwelkruin, we extend our heartfelt congratulations to Calvin for receiving his national colours. Your achievement not only honours our school but also reflects the dedication and excellence of your hard work. We are incredibly proud of your accomplishment and wish you continued success in representing South Africa with pride and skill,” says Oliver Moorcroft, primary school sports organiser at Heuwelkruin.

Dias offers advice to any Gr 11 learner who wants to participate in both school and outside sports, as well as excel in the classroom next year.

1. God first. “First and foremost none of this would have been possible if it wasn’t for God and all the blessings and gifts He has given me. Always remember to put God first in everything you do.”
2. The art of scheduling. “Time management and effective scheduling go hand-in-hand. Scheduling out your day hour-by-hour is key for anyone, but especially learner athletes.”
3. Engaging with education. “Build relationships with your teachers as you do with your coaches. When students and teachers have a positive relationship it can have great results in long-term academic achievements.”
4. Goal setting: “Goal setting is important for both long-term and short-term aspirations. Set goals for your sport, but for your academic performance as well.”
5. Believe in yourself. “I live by the words of Ronnie Lott ‘If you can believe it, the mind can achieve it.’. If you didn’t believe in the power of positive thought before, this quote from one of the NFL’s most dominant players should be enough to convince you.”