Lifting our youth high

IT IS absolutely amazing to know that Port Alfred’s Onke Mangele is this year’s African Junior Double Mini Trampoline Champion! The best in Africa in the junior section!

This achievement would not have been possible without the influence of a humble Dutch gentleman, Jan Blom, who noticed his young neighbour (Siphamandla Baku) “doing flips” on the ground in Nemato many years ago.

Jan has selflessly and consistently pursued opportunities for underprivileged kids in the area.

He has arranged for Lee Budler (one of South Africa’ s top trampoline and tumbling coaches, and Brevet judge) to coach up-and-coming talent in Port Elizabeth.

What these youngsters receive in terms of training and mentorship, is highly sought after by gymnasts in South Africa.

Congratulations to Mangele for his hard work and courage, and thanks to Baku for showing the youth that doing elite gymnastics is possible even if you live in a “township” in a small EC coastal town.

Baku has represented South Africa numerous times and is now in the extremely competitive men’s senior section.

Another thank you must go to the team in Nemato for allowing one of the local Sunshine Coast gymnasts to train on their Eurotramp this week. What a wonderful gesture on their part, to give him a chance to prepare for his Level 2 SA Games competition in October.

Stafford Avis was so inspired by the elite gymnasts in Nemato and we are so grateful to you, Jan, and your team!