HOPEFIELD:- Three pupils from Hopefield Primary gave their school and parents reasons to smile, after they took part in the Boland and Western Cape Cross Country competitions respectively.
The latter competition was on Saturday 27 August 2022 in George. Although very proud, the athletics coach and retired teacher, Nico Louw (72), could not attend the two trips due to health reasons. Although he had to miss it, he couldn’t brag enough about the children’s achievements.
However, it was 9-year-old Amy van Wyk who showed how talented she is. Amy outclassed her opponents at the Boland and Western Cape Championships, coming first in her age group in both competitions. Another athlete who, according to the coach, did not surprise him was Clinton Phillips (9 years), Clinton was 2nd in his age group, in both championships in which he participated.
The third athlete was Javan Adams, who was 5th in the Boland championships, and 8th in the Western Cape competition. He participated in the 4km distance competitions. Javen was at a Boland competition in March, 2nd in an 800m race.
However, Nico Louw has announced that this will be his last year as active coach of the children. “My health no longer allows me to continue helping the children with their talents
to develop,” said Louw.
There are a few more Boland athletics competitions starting in October, and Louw wants the athletes to compete in a few more. It would be good if the parents of the children concerned would encourage them to continue practicing.