Four young majorettes need funding to go to Croatia to represent South Africa at the International Federation of Majorettes Sport Championship.
These athletes make part of President High School’s majorettes – and it will all be their first time flying and going overseas.
Jo-Leigh Sebastian (17) from Belhar says she feels amazing and blessed.
“It is because of God I got this opportunity. I am trying to push myself to make my country and my school proud.”
According to Sabastian, she is ready for action.
“I am trying my best to push my limits as an athlete in general.”
Almira Cicil (17) from Goodwood College says opportunities like this do not come easily because it is not something small.
“For me, it is an amazing opportunity, this sport teaches you respect, love and discipline and we are a family, we communicate and we are more open here. It is nice to have SA colours because you are representing your country.”
Cecil has been doing this since Grade 1, marking 12 years of expertise under her belt.
Dullyne Adonis, the youngest of the team is in Grade 6 at Goodwood Park Primary School, is just as excited about this trip as her teammates.
“It is the first time I am going out of the country and I am representing South Africa. It is also scary because I will be away from my family members. I love majorettes because it is a very bonding thing,” Adonis says.
This is Adonis’ second year doing drummies.
Adonis says she was shocked because it is a lot of money.
“Your parents have to save up. You can’t eat out anymore because you have to save money.”
Hope van Tonder, Grade 11 at Brackenfell High School, says: “I’m stressed, but I’m also happy because I’m following in my sister’s footsteps. She did drummies. I’m excited, but also nervous, it’s completely new. First time going overseas, I’ve been doing all those sports for eight years now.”
R36 000 per athlete to go to Croatia
“The expenses are very high. I’ve tried everything to help raise money, walked around, asked for money, I’ve baked burgers and things to sell with my mother to raise money. Every bit helps,” Van Tonder says.
Martie Kruger, a majorette mother, and also one of the parents who will tour with the team to Croatia, says they sold hamburgers at Brackenfell High School for a while.
“I just make cakes and clothes to sell for extra money, the funds are still plenty.”
The additional visa fees, which is R5 000 for both her and her adopted daughter Hope, still need to be paid, but their passports are already paid.
Kruger says she is very excited that her child is going overseas, and she is going overseas.
According to Kruger, all the fees must be paid by the end of June. The cost is R36 000 per athlete. This total includes their visas and passports.
The team practises on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays. Kruger feels happy about their achievements and thinks her adopted daughter should get everything she didn’t have.
The group that was previously at JG Meiring came over to President High School because they wanted more children.
“We opened a stage with 140 children, we are now 49, which is still more children,” Kruger says.
The team also takes Nationals in July which costs R3 500 per athlete.
“So that’s a lot of expenses”, Kruger says.
Chantell Lombard, the coach of the majorettes, says she is very proud of them.
“It was not an easy process to qualify to get their SA colours, with a lot of trials, tribulation, dedication, commitment and all the effort they put in behind the scenes they have been successful to make it to the national team.
“For me to be part of that process it is an overwhelming moment, but I am very proud of each one,” Lombard says.
About going overseas Lombard is very nervous, especially for the competition.
“The Europeans are very strong in these categories, which is fairly new to our South African athletes, but I am confident that we will do well. We are aiming for at least the top five in the world. That shows you the talent and the standard that the kids currently are,” Lombard told TygerBurger.
Funding
There were over 100 athletes who were chosen for the national team, but because of funds and finances, a lot of them dropped out.
The majority of funds still needed is to pay for their flights and their registration for the actual competition.
“So each athlete still needs about R20 000 to be able to leave in three months.”
- To make any donations call Lombard on 072 502 9071 or Kruger on 084 5206 00.
