High rollers win medals
Ntombentsha Msutu
THE Motherwell Rollers recently came back from the South African Speed Roller Skating Championship with 13 medals.
The competition was held at the Mandela Village, Harmanskraal, which is 55km outside Pretoria.
The group was established at the Motherwell library in November 2003, by Eastern Cape Roller Skating, with the help of Nelson Mandela municipal library service and the skaters of the Phoenix Roller Skating Club.
Marianne Terblanche one of the officials of the Motherwell Roller Skaters said the club opened opportunities for these young stars.
"We are not only promoting the exciting sport of roller skating, but we are also uplifting the children by giving them opportunities to perform at all levels. We are teaching them leadership and life skills and we take them to various parts of our wonderful country to compete," Terblanche said.
This team has competed in several competitions throughout South Africa and its members have also travelled the world.
"Every second year there is an open speed skating competition and skaters get the opportunity to compete against skaters from overseas.
"Last year the open competition was held at Sun City and our team did very well.
"One of our ex-skaters from Motherwell Sophumelela Nquma – who is helping to run the Dimbaza club and helps with training sessions – brought three skaters from Dimbaza to the South African championships to take part in the beginners' section. He was also the Eastern Cape team manager for this year," said Terblanche.
One of their skaters Vusikaya Stali had the opportunity to attend an administration course in Cape Town and Lindokuhle Khongwana attended an administration and coaches course in Pretoria.
"We will also be having an artistic skating course on May 22.
"Skaters will be given the opportunity to attend this course being presented by a USA junior world champion.
"This has been made possible with assistance from Sport and Recreation and Roller Sport South Africa," Terblanche said.