Duo to represent SA at champs in Russia
TWO East London pupils were selected to represent South Africa at the World Junior Synchronised Swimming Championships in Russia next month.
Emlynn Spogter,15, and Tayla-Jade van Huyssteen, 14, both Stirling High School pupils, said they were “excited, nervous, humbled and honoured” to have been selected. Spogter, who started swimming at the age of nine, admitted she had never imagined she would one day be selected to represent South Africa.
“I am really happy, it is really nice. It is in less than three weeks time,”said Spogter, who is also involved in drama,swimming, crosscountry and athletics.
Van Huyssteen, who started swimming at the tender age of three and has not looked back since, said she was counting down the days fortheir trip to Russia.
“It’s like a dream. It’s awesome,” said Van Huyssteen, who also does open-water swimming, dancing and music.
The strong, graceful and flexible pair also represented South Africa last year in Australia at the Commonwealth Synchronised Swimming Festival in Perth. Both girls, however, need financial support from the public to make the costly trip a reality. They will be making use of the DreamFuel website, which supports athletes and teams in funding their dreams via the most modern and sustainable ways possible.
But they still need additional financial assistance from the public to fund their trip. The two young athletes thanked businesses and individuals who had contributed towards funding their trip so far, as well as all their family and friends for their support.
If you would like to help, call Emlynn’s mother, Shantelle, on 084-202-2888 or Tayla – Jade ’s mother, Janet, on 083-443-7732.
