The first finisher from VLC, Greg Smith, partnered with Gavin Steyl to finish in two hours and three minutes, as the third sub-veterans.<\/p>\n
The 24km race was won by paddlers from Dabulamanzi Canoe Club, in Emmarentia, with Centurion paddlers finishing second and Benoni paddlers third.<\/p>
\u201cThe highlight of the day was the junior races, with brave young paddlers from age seven eagerly lining up to participate in their age appropriate distance races,\u201d said Dallas.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe NSRI boats cruised, watching carefully in case quick rescues were needed to avoid prolonged exposure in the cold water.<\/p>\n
\u201cAll juniors up to 18 years of age participated in the races and, through their club training programmes and monthly races they’ll evolve to be elite athletes.\u201d<\/p>\n
VLC\u2019s young Kanyisa Mancoba, from Germiston High School, was the first u-18 finisher in the 24km main race while, in the junior races, St Catherine\u2019s student Jaemi Wellisch won a silver medal in the u-14 girls\u2019 race.<\/p>\n
New paddlers from the local club included Ayanda Mgwenya, who finished fourth in the u-12 girls race, while Bondile Ndlovu was the sixth male finisher in the u-8 category; both juniors attend Germiston South Primary School.<\/p>\n
\u201cPoints earned on a sliding scale accumulate throughout the year for the prize-giving in November, when schools are recognised for accumulated achievements from pupils represented,\u201d explained Dallas.<\/p>\n
\u201cClubs that provide coaching and training opportunities also get recognition.\u201d<\/p>\n
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