Soweto paddlers gear up for SA Sprint Champs
SCARC athletes impress at Gauteng trials ahead of nationals at Roodeplaat Dam.
Gauteng Canoe Union recently hosted the provincial Sprint Championships to enable the province to identify a team to represent it at the upcoming SA Sprint Championships, which will be held at Roodeplaat Dam.
A large number of paddlers from the Soweto Canoe and Recreation Club (SCARC) participated in the event for distances that included the 200m, 500m, 1000m, and 5000m.
Some of the paddlers are highly experienced, while others came out to enjoy their first race. These rising stars and role models continue to shine for SCARC, which nurtures promising young paddlers.
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Azonwabe Mpehle (18), from Motsoaledi, continued to represent the community proudly in SCARC colours, finishing 15th overall in his age category.
In the senior women, Lesedi Bobo (21), a SCARC U23 woman paddler and an accountant who has completed several major river marathons, including the Dusi and the Fish River race, finished fourth overall.
Her journey demonstrates that young people from less privileged backgrounds can successfully balance sport, education and professional careers while excelling in all areas.
Alulutho Tyenge is another standout athlete who has already built a reputation for resilience and determination.
During the recent Dusi Canoe Marathon, Tyenge showed remarkable character by completing the race alone in a K2 boat after his partner was forced to withdraw due to an injury.
