Young Aspiring Sailors from the Western Cape to Compete in Regatta in China

The Western Cape Department of Cultural Affairs and Sport (DCAS) along with Sailing South Africa Western Cape, are sending six junior sailors to compete in the Qingdao International Optimist Training Camp & Regatta to be held in Qingdao, in the Shandong Province in China from 4 to 11 August 2016.

At the farewell and media briefing on 28 July 2016 the Western Cape Chairperson of South African Sailing (SAS), Bev Le Sueur thanked DCAS profusely for making the trip possible and said: “Our Western Cape Youth sailors will benefit on so many levels from this experience, including experiencing different cultures and forging new life long sailing friendships”.

The team comprises of team leader Bev le Sueur, team coach Andre Wollheim, and sailors Jared Tyler (10), Ross Mackinnon (12), Rivaldo Arendse (13), Damita Olsson (15), Hamilton Slater (12) and Eurios Horne (14).  The young sailors represent different yacht clubs from different regions in the Western Cape namely the Cape Metropole, Eden and Cape Winelands.

The participation in regatta in China is a result of an agreement between the Western Cape Government and the Shandong Province, which hosts the Qingdao Sailing Centre – the centre that trains China’s Olympic Squad. Thabo Tutu, DCAS Director of Sport Promotion said at the media briefing that this programme helps to develop Sailing as a sport and goes a long way in transforming the sport. “DCAS are only the enablers, but Sailing South Africa Western Cape implemented and ensured that our young aspiring sailors are given this opportunity. I would like to take this opportunity to congratulate the six young sailors. Go fly the flag for the Western Cape, and remember that sport is not only about competition and winning but also about having fun and making friends. I wish the team well during their time in China”, said Tutu.

DCAS Minister Anroux Marais wished the team well and said: “The selected six sailors have already and will undoubtedly continue to make us proud as they represent the Province internationally”.

DCAS offers unique sporting opportunities through partnerships to youth. These partnerships create an active province, BETTER TOGETHER.