1 000 sweet treats could quench yen for Japan

PLETTENBERG BAY NEWS - They say that nothing is sweeter than a mother's love and this saying is being proven spot-on in the kitchen of a Plettenberg Bay mom who is baking her child's dreams into reality.

Helen Bezuidenhout has been slaving away in front of her one-plate stove during every waking moment to bake one of South Africa's favourite sweet treats, the coconut-laden hertzoggie.

The motivation behind the industrious baking is to make sure she raises enough funds for her daughter to participate on the gymnastics world stage for the first time later this year.

Twelve-year-old Leolin Petersen has been chosen to represent South Africa at the International Federation of Gymnastics (FIG) Trampoline Gymnastics World Championships in Tokyo, Japan in November and December this year.

First step on world stage
This would be the youngster's first step on the world stage and a leap closer to realising her dream of making it to the Olympics.

The young gymnast has already proven her mettle on home turf with many titles under her belt and has set her sights on bigger things.

"Going abroad to compete is however quite expensive. For this particular competition, Leolin needs R35 000 for travel, accommodation and other expenses," the New Horizons mother said.

"I would do any-thing to make sure she realises her dreams. She chose the sport on her own when she was little and has dedicated most of her life to it since. She has shown us that she has natural talent and the work ethic to succeed."

It is for this reason that Bezuidenhout decided to start baking up a storm to make sure Leolin makes it to Tokyo.

900 and counting…
So far she has baked about 900 hertzoggies and has been selling it to locals to raise money. While it is already an impressive feat to have baked so many, Bezuidenhout has done so with only a handheld mixer and a small one-plate stove. "I've had many late nights and early mornings," Bezuidenhout quipped.

A neighbour has however come to the rescue, offering her a bigger oven to use in her efforts. "Now I can make more at a time."

On Saturday, Bezuidenhout's hertzoggies and perhaps a boerewors roll or two will be on sale at the Market Square shopping centre in Plettenberg Bay.

This is not the first time Bezuidenhout has made sacrifices for her young daughter's dreams. In the past she had to make frequent trips to George for the former Plettenberg Bay Primary School learner to train and recently made the decision to send her to Port Elizabeth for specialist training at Mandy's School of Tumbling and Trampoline.

"It has been a difficult decision to send her away, but she has developed her skills so much over the past few months that it has been worth it."

Leolin, who is the national champion in her age group in several disciplines, has been enrolled at Lorraine Primary School since April and is currently living with family friends in Port Elizabeth. She has also been accepted to attend Framesby High School next year.

Bezuidenhout said Leolin has set her sights on the 2024 Olympics and will be doing all she can to represent her country at the highest level.

For more information, contact Bezuidenhout on 060 648 0407.

Leolin Petersen showing off her latest accomplishments.