Aberdeen Sec athletes beat the odds

ABERDEEN NEWS - Six athletes from Aberdeen Secondary School have done their school - and the whole town - proud.

Excelling in various items and age groups - from the 100m sprint to the taxing 1 500m - the athletes are representing the Dr Beyers Naude team at district level in Gqeberha today, 16 February.

Athletes who qualify for the Sarah Baartman team, will then compete at provincial level in East London.

Marius Frazenburg, a teacher at Aberdeen Secondary, is very proud of the six athletes. "In order for these learners to have made the DBN-team, they had to compete with strong athletics schools in the area."

Principal Thimoteüs Webb says, under the guidance of the coaching committee, the athletes practice at the rather dilapidated show grounds. "Compared to other schools, we are but a small farm school on the dusty plains of the Camdeboo." Webb and Frazenburg emphasise that none of this distracts the youngsters who are determined to win. If anything, it simply makes them hungrier for success.

The athletes, bursting with energy, say their parents and coaches are their main motivation.

Ameraah Jacobs is the first to announce that her mother, also an athlete, is her icon and inspiration. Ronald Saayman, the smallest in the group, sees his physique as his secret weapon. ZinZan Flippies says he enjoys jogging in general, but sprinting is the best. "Running gives me the freedom to dream and to think."

Jadene Nyssen thanked their parents, school and coaches on behalf of her teammates.

"We want to sincerely thank you, especially our coaches, for this opportunity. Many kids do not have the opportunities we have. We all just want to be the best we can be. When we compete, we compete for you, and for all the kids in our town."

The star athletes with their mentors are at the back, from left: Marius Frazenburg, Regina Fredericks, Ronaldino Skaarnek, ZinZan Flippies, Thimoteüs Webb (principal), Igmaan Mahane, Leilani van Staden and Maronic Cornelius. Front: Jadene Nyssen, Ronald Saayman and Ameraah Jacobs. Photo: Alex Lombaard