I never knew that tug-of-war was such a fantastic sport! In addition to the physical advantages, it breeds confidence, self-discipline as well as excellent team spirit.
Paarl Boishaai is a very small team, no more than 37 boys participating at any one stage, with the number dwindling to 22 towards the end of the season. The WP Boland championship was held on Saturday the 10th of March, and SA’s the 23rd to 24th of March, and Boishaai team managed to bring home a total of 4 bronze medals. It’s a tough sport, in extreme weather conditions, but these boys have such heart that every parent involved back their boys 300%. And every year they manage to achieve!
There is not much funding from the school’s budget, therefore the onus lies with the parents to execute their own fundraising.
This year the World Championships are being held in Camps Bay, but it’s still a very costly exercise. In addition to the entry fee of R16,000.00 per weight class, there are a myriad of other costs like food, transport and accommodation, the correct clothing and the boys need to follow a strict diet before (to ensure that they do not exceed their weight) as well as during the competitions. Then there is the first aid chest which needs to be stocked, and when you see some of the injuries on the field, you will understand why! Pulled ligaments, torn hands, to mention but a few.
It’s been a long time since I have seen such big boys (well, just about adult) cry in the open. Last year at SA’s the silver medal team boys (Drostdy High) burst out in tears because they lost the final pull, and thus the honour to represent SA during the world championship. This year the world championship is being held in SA, an even bigger incentive for our Boishaai team to make it to Kimberley and perform to their utmost best.
If you are in the position to make a donation, every single rand, dollar euro and pound will be appreciated.
Yes, fundraising is very much like tug-of-war…it’s never easy, it takes determination, and at the heart of it all lies teamwork!
Thank you for your invaluable contributions.
