Wednesday, March 26, 2008

SA Slalom Champs 2008

The SA Slalom Champs are taking place outside Bethlehem in the Free State this weekend and it promises to be an entertaining event for athletes and spectators alike. The National title and two Olympic berths are going to be battled out by South Africa’s top white-water kayakers and canoeists.

The Olympic berths have already been qualified but who will take these positions depends on Saturday’s result. Siboniso Cele won the African Champs in the Single Canoe and is well ahead of any competition however his protégé, Jabulani Mofokeng and fellow Dihlabeng Slalom Club member, Sbu Ngidi will be hot on his heels should he make a mistake.

In the Double Canoe class Lindelani Ngidi and Cameron McIntosh, World Champs Semi-finalists, will be aiming to continue their unbeaten run for the past two years. Some strong junior teams such as Jaques Brits and Anton Maree as will also be aiming to claim the C2 title.

The National title will also be a hard fought affair, as the overall winner will walk away with this trophy. Cameron McIntosh has won it 8 times in the past 10 years but with him moving in the slower C2 boat it will be between the single paddlers to claim it. Cele will be hard pressed by top KZN kayaker Iain Rennie who has come up to Bethlehem for a week to train on the course and adapt to the Ash River. Gauteng Junior, Gavin Shuter, will be fighting it out for the Junior title against a strong team from the local slalom club headed up by Success Mahlaba who took part in the African Champs in Kenya in January.

A flat-water event takes place at 4pm on Friday at the Bohlokong Slalom Course for Juniors and Development Athletes.

The main event starts at 1pm on Saturday on the Ash river half way between Bethlehem and Clarens. Entries close at 11am at the same time that open practice finishes. Food and drinks will be available for spectators and athletes to purchase. Entry is free. For more information call Cameron McIntosh on 082 879 6762 or visit www.amadonsadonsa.com

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