The 17th annual Gymnasiade Games, an Olympics for youngsters, promised to be a highlight on the African school sport calendar.<\/p>\n
This year the prestigious event, held from May 2 to 9, took place in the \u201cred city\u201d of Morocco, in Marrakech only a few months before the 2018 Youth Olympics 2018.<\/p>
This major school sport event, which is organised by the International School Sport Federation (ISF), whose main motto is to \u201cEducate through sport\u201d, offered young athletes from all around the world an opportunity to come together and experience the spirit of international competition, fair play, friendship and cultural diversity.<\/p>\n
Two local wrestlers from the Elsburg Wrestling Club made the trip to Morocco to compete.<\/p>
Lezandri Zandberg and Francois Joubert, who have been training long and hard for the opportunity to represent South Africa, finally had their dreams come true when they jetted off to participate in the competition.<\/p>\n
Joubert was set to compete against opponents from 12 countries, namely Armenia, Belarus, Chinese Taipei, France, Georgia, Hungary, India, Iran, Morocco, Romania, Russia and Ukraine.<\/p>\n
\u201cHe had a tough job ahead of him as this was his first tour,\u201d said coach Tobie Alberts.<\/p>\n
While Zandberg was set to compete against opponents from eight countries, namely Belarus, Chinese Taipei, France, Hungary, India, Morocco, Romania and Ukraine.<\/p>\n
\u201cZandberg is one of the country\u2019s top female wrestlers and has previously toured in Algeria and America,\u201d said Alberts.<\/p>\n
Alberts was grateful for the opportunity given to his two students.<\/p>\n
\u201cFor them to participate in a tournament like this will be of great benefit and will enrich their lives,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n
The Elsburg Wrestling Club, located in Mare Street, in Elsburg, train on Tuesdays and Thursday evenings from 6pm to 8pm.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe are appealing to young and old to come and try out our wonderful sport,\u201d said Alberts.<\/p>\n
For more information on the club call Lindy Venter on 083 266 2242 or head coach Chris Sutton on 082 304 9550.<\/p>\n
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