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PLETTENBERG BAY NEWS - The youngsters of the Crags Drilling Squad have new tricks up their sleeves and showcased these during a drilling demonstration in Plettenberg Bay recently.
“It is one thing to do their routines at school, but they need to become familiar with many eyes on them and that is why they showed off their new routine to local residents and visitors,” says squad spokesperson Yvette Wilschut.
The children showcased their skills at the Market Square shopping centre on Sunday 27 May to the delight of onlookers.
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Upcoming competition
It is also in preparation for their next competition in Port Elizabeth on 11 August this year. “We are really aiming to bring home the trophy to Plettenberg Bay.”
Not only do they have a new routine for the competition but they will also be wearing new blazers. Bitou Municipality has come on board and sponsored the blazers, which will be handed over to the squad by mayor Peter Lobese on 9 June.
“In the past the youngsters competed without blazers, which is actually a judging criterion and therefore counted against us at previous competitions. They are absolutely over the moon about receiving these.”
Strict criteria to follow
There are several aspects the squad is judged on over and above their routines during competitions, including caps having to be clipped on in a certain position – each child’s in exactly the same spot. The blazers’ sleeves also need to hang exactly at the wrist.
“All these little things teach the children about discipline and focus and that is why drilling is such an amazing sport and plays such an important role in shaping these children.”
Wilschut says the squad was established last year with 27 children, but that it had grown to include a full squad of 55 children from the Crags.
The Crags Drilling Squad recently showcased their routine at the Market Square shopping centre, the result of many hours of hard work and discipline. Photo: Supplied
Major commitment
“We practise about two to three times a week. It is a major commitment, but the children and their parents have stepped up to the challenge as they absolutely love it. You will never find anyone absent as they all want to be there.”
Drilling takes a lot of focus, explains Wilschut. “Each routine is 10 minutes long and includes 55 sequenced moves. If one child goes out of place or out of time, it is noticeable so they have to remain focused throughout the routine.”
The youngsters honed their skills last weekend when drill guru Dawood Davids from Harvester Primary School in Mitchell’s Plain came to visit.
Parents also involved
“They practised with him all weekend from morning to night. It was wonderful as all the parents were there too, helping to cook meals and getting the children ready.”
“We are all very passionate about the sport and believe it would be a wonderful initiative to have more schools in the area join. We can then have local competitions. It does so much for the school, it teaches discipline and it is wonderful for the community. The great thing is anyone can participate.”
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