GARDEN ROUTE NEWS - On 20 March, a small group of eight nippers and management from Southern Cross Surf Lifesaving Club travelled to Gqeberha to compete over three days in the DHL National Surf Lifesaving Nippers Championship.
The event was held from 21 to 23 March at Kings Beach.
With the weather and the surf playing along, the programme was packed with action and energy-sapping events.
A total of about 700 nippers and 32 clubs competed for the crown of top competitor and top club in the country.
The competition started slowly with Run Swim Run, Board Relay, Beach Run for the U14 and U13s and Flags for the U12s. Quewin Pieterse came 10th in the U14 Long Run.
Malik-Jamal Moolman progressed to the semi-finals for boys U12 flags. Rich-Leigh Michaels fell out in the heats.
Day 2 really challenged the nippers' fitness with blue flag events such as Beach Sprints, Iron Nipper, Beach Relay and Surf Swim for the U14s.
The Beach Relay team consisting of Je-Olyne Walters, Jordan Kannemeyer, Quewin Pieterse and Jonah Bush sprinted, in the words of the commentator, "like a well-oiled machine" to eliminate 51 teams to grab the very prestigious silver medal.
Quewin Pieterse and Jordan Kannemeyer progressed to the finals of the U14 Beach Sprint and came fifth and sixth respectively. Joshua Jantjies proceeded to the semi-finals of the boys U14 sprints. Malik-Jamal Moolman came 13th in the U12 Beach Run.
Quewin Pieterse, the gold medalist.
The final day started with one of the most prestigious events, boys and girls U14 flags. Je-Olyne Walters, Jordan Kannemeyer and Jonah Bush all progressed to the semi-finals.
Quewin Pieterse eliminated 61 other competitors with ultimate determination, flair and precision to be crowned as the winner of the boys U14 Flags. Granville Zeegers fell out in the semi-finals, while Joshua Jantjies was eliminated in eight place in the finals in the U13 age group. Malik-Jamal proceeded to the semi-finals of the U12 beach sprints. Rich-Leigh Michaels fell out in the heats.
Summerstrand Surf Lifesaving Club in Gqeberha was the overall club winner of the championship.
"We wish to thank our sponsors, corporate as well as private. Last but not least, thank you to the hardworking parents and support staff. We value your support," a spokesperson for the club said.
The Southern Cross Nipper team.
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