Down syndrome swimmers now ambassadors
Down syndrome swimmers Savanna Haselau (18) and Minke Janse van Rensburg (19) have been jetsetting between Turkey and Durban over the past few weeks. These two are considered by their fellow swimmers, coaches and supporters within the community as true ambassadors for George, and our country.
Minke made some serious waves in Turkey, where she bagged five medals (three gold and two silver) during the Trisome Games world swimming championships. Savanna, on the other hand, improved her personal best times (PBs) in each and every item she swam, with at least 10s.
The two swimmers participated in the Sasa II (SA Sport Association for the Intellectually Impaired) swimming championships held in Durban from 3 to 6 April, where they both excelled. As SA’s top Down syndrome swimmer, Minke received 15 gold medals for all 15 items in which she participated, and Savanna was honoured with a trophy for the ‘Most Improved Down Syndrome Swimmer in SA’.
“Savanna landed in South Africa on 3 April following a weeklong holiday in Turkey after the Trisome Games, and went straight to Durban for the Sasa II galas on 4 April, coping really well,” said Savanna’s mom, Lynne Tarr.
Minke and Savanna are members of Fish Eagles Aquatics Swim Club and are both coached by Franna Vorster and his team of the Garden Route Swimming School in George.
New in the game
Savanna’s grandmother, Elsa Davids, said she only started participating in galas 18 months ago. “I wish I could see her in Durban, but my health wasn’t so good. I cheered from the couch in George,” said Davids. Savanna was accompanied by her mother Lynne and family. “I am amazed at how she has improved over the last year,” said Lynne.
Savanna returned to George on Monday 8 April where she was welcomed by students and teachers of Up With Downs School at George Airport. Elsa said many people have the notion that children with Down syndrome are unable to do anything. “Remember, they don’t consider themselves disabled,” said Davids. “They are just kids. Certain things that might be an issue to others, is not a bother for them. For instance, Savanna is fond of her own ears, although they look different. ‘Look granny, I love my ears – they look just like Shrek’s’, she would say to me.” Elsa said their family is incredibly grateful for everything Minke’s family did for Savanna over the last few months. “Minke and Savanna are good friends. Minke is Savanna’s inspiration,” said Elsa.
Hennie Janse van Rensburg, Minke’s dad, is very certain that Savanna’s swimming achievements will be on a completely different level four years from now. “She is, however, moving to Howick in KwaZuluNatal, where she will compete. I am sad that she is lost for us in the Western Cape, but she is not lost for South Africa. She will be in very good hands,” said Hennie.
Off to nationals
For Minke, the fun is not over yet as she flew to Gqeberha on Tuesday afternoon, 9 April, to participate in the Senior National Swimming Championships. According to her dad, this is the biggest swimming competition in SA. Minke will compete in the category S14 for intellectually disabled persons.
“She is looking forward to this gala,” said Hennie. “Minke would always check out the fastest swimmers and then she wants to mingle with them. She’s done this since she was a little girl. She is crazy about Lara van Niekerk and Tatjana Schoenmaker.” Minke will participate in the 50m, 100m and 200m freestyle and the 50m and 100m butterfly. The Senior Nationals is also an Olympic Games qualifier competition.