KZN rhythmic gymnasts soar high: Help them reach the World Championships!
The Senior Protea and Junior Protea rhythmic gymnastic teams (both hailing from KZN) just secured a phenomenal second place at the 18th African Championships.
KwaZulu-Natal is abuzz with rhythmic gymnastics fever! Our Senior Protea and Junior Protea teams (both hailing from KZN) just secured a phenomenal second place at the 18th African Championships.
These talented athletes are the pride of the province, captivating audiences with their dedication and artistry.
However, their journeys don’t end here. They're setting their sights on even bigger goals – international competitions, national championships, and, ultimately, the World Championships next year!
The world of Rhythmic Gymnastics demands more than just passion. It requires specialised equipment, rigorous training, and the ability to travel to competitions. The senior and junior Protea teams have since started a crowdfunding campaign that aims to empower these exceptional athletes to chase their dreams.
Contributions will directly support the team by securing top-notch training facilities and coaches that will allow them to refine their skills. It will also aid them in purchasing and maintaining essential equipment.
They noted that funds will also go to travel costs, as competing on the international and national stages means traveling to various locations.
Budding gymnasts from various KZN clubs come together to form these powerhouse teams. National trials, where clubs compete for spots, determine who gets to shine. Here's how the team structure works:
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Senior Team
Packed with experience, this team of gymnasts aged 16 and above competes at the elite level. Their recent participation in the African Championships in Rwanda, an Olympic qualifying event, demonstrates their talent and opens the door for their Olympic dreams.
Team members include:
Babalwa Mkhize
Bericia Le Roux
Crystal Viljoen
Emily Impson
Nina Gaspar
Junior team
This team produces future stars! They train talented 14-15 year olds with the potential to shine in senior competitions.
Team members include:
Almone Bosch
Amy Rose George
Abigail Smulders
Buhle Ngcobo
Naluthando Mbelu
Thandolwethu Mthiyane
Coaches Kayleigh Slaughter, Tayla Henry, and Robyn Mueller told East Coast Radio how proud they are of the girls:
"As coaches, we are extremely proud of our gymnasts’ achievements at the 18th African championship in Kigali, Rwanda. The junior group placed 2nd in both hoop and club routines and won the silver overall medal in the junior category. The senior group also placed 2nd in both the hoop and ball/ribbon routines and won the silver overall medal in the senior group category. These achievements are due to the hard work and dedication of the entire team. We look forward to seeing what the future holds."
Click here to head over to the team’s BackaBuddy page.
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