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PLETTENBERG BAY NEWS & VIDEO - The young drill stars of the Crags had an opportunity to show Plettenberg Bay locals and visitors their newly acquired skills this past weekend.
The youngsters, who make up the Crags Drill Squad, had a special visit from drill guru Dawood Davids from the Harvester Primary School in Mitchell's Plain.
He had just returned from Dubai where he trained a squad on invitation from the royal family.
Davids hosted a training weekend with the local youngsters from 16 to 18 February and on Sunday showcased their skills at the Market Square shopping centre for the town to see.
This was not only to introduce the squad to Plett, but to ensure that they become comfortable in the public eye and not to be distracted by an audience.
Squad spokesperson Yvette Wilschut said the youngsters are part of the Drilling Against Crime initiative that forms part of the police Safer Schools Programme.
The programme was initiated by the Crags sector manager Sergeant Byron de Vos, alongside Wilschut, and is fully supported by Plettenberg Bay station commander Colonel Nolan Michaels.
“The initial team included 27 of the prefects of the Crags Primary School. With the assistance of Working on Fire in the Crags, the squad was formed and trained,” said Wilschut.
Watch a video below:
Slow beginnings
The youngsters participated in their first competition on 9 August last year in Port Elizabeth, but were somewhat out of their depth.
“This was when Davids introduced himself and offered to assist us.”
Over a weekend in August, Davids trained the children, which led to two further competitions in Cape Town.
This time around, the youngsters were able to participate at a competitive level.
“The children of 2017 went on to different high schools but did not want to give up drilling, so a squad was formed consisting of primary and high school learners.
"The squad has now increased from 27 children in 2017 to 48 this year.”
“The children were so excited when Davids arrived and started practising immediately after school on Friday until 20:30 that evening, in the rain.”
The damp weather did not put them off and on Saturday morning they were yet again in full formation by 10:00. They trained until 17:00.
They then performed their new skills.
Drill guru Dawood Davids trained the Crags Drilling Squad over the past weekend. Photo: Supplied
Impressive performance
Most onlookers were in awe. Mark Templeton said he really enjoyed the performance.
“I have a military background, so I was pleasantly surprised and impressed by their precision and ability.
"I find it to be an excellent way to teach them discipline and a wonderful and healthy activity for children. It also builds teamwork. The two drummers were absolutely awesome,” Templeton said.
Ryno Boshoff said the sequence was “mind-blowing” while Leandre Louw said watching the youngsters was “touching”.
“It made me feel so proud. My eyes were literally full of tears. The fact that they learned that routine in only two days was a plus point.
"They also learn to be disciplined, have self-respect, gain respect from others and set an example for other children,” Louw said.
The Crags Drill Squad showed off their skills at the Market Square shopping centre. Photo: Supplied
Meliswa Njadu said she thinks drilling is a wonderful way to “keep our children busy from doing the wrong things”.
Davids said that he has not worked with such determined children with such great stamina before.
“Drilling has become a huge part of these children’s lives, it is their sport. They never miss a practice, rain or shine. They are determined to win this year.”
The Bitou municipality has pledged to purchase blazers for the children for their upcoming competitions.
“We are extremely grateful. We are also happy that the Education Department will be getting involved too, and a meeting has been scheduled for this week,” Wilschut said.
She added that they still need to raise a substantial amount to get the children to the competition.
Would you like to help?* Phone Yvette Wilschut 082 413 8077
ARTICLE & VIDEO: YOLANDÉ STANDER, KNYSNA-PLETT HERALD CORRESPONDENT
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