Update

GYMNASTICS NEWS - After recently qualifying for the world gymnastics championships in England later this year, Plettenberg Bay's gymnastics sensation Leolin Petersen has shown that she is a force to be reckoned with, winning double gold at the final leg of the Madiba Cup Series.

Leolin, who just turned 17 last week Friday, won gold in not only double-mini trampoline, but also Euro trampoline at the competition held in Mossel Bay.

This after she won three gold medals for her performance in senior women's double mini trampoline, junior women's trampoline, and junior women's power tumbling during the second leg of the series in Cape Town.

The latest victories for the Plettenberg Bay Primary School alumnus, who is currently attending Framesby High School in Gqeberha, come shortly after it was announced that she would be representing South Africa at the International Gymnastics Federation (FIG) world championships in Birmingham, UK in her age group in November, and would also be part of the country's senior team for the first time.

This is a prestigious international competition that will also serve as a qualifying event for the 2024 Olympic Games and the 2025 World Games. Gymnasts participating not only have to dig deep to prepare for the competition, but also to raise funds to take part.

According to Leolin's mother, Helen Bezuidenhout, they have to raise R80 000 to cover the costs of the flights, accommodation, transport, meals, competition entry, travel insurance and her gymnastics kit.

They have set the fundraising in motion by using Bezuidenhout's talents in the kitchen. She will be cooking chicken and roosterkoek as well as a salad on 25 August.

This will be available at 2349 Keurbooms Street in New Horizons at 15:00. 

On 28 October, Plett residents Chrystal and Howard Smith will be preparing a three-course meal at 3176 Saringa Road to raise further funds.

Bezuidenhout has also started a crowdfunding initiative where donations can be made. For more information, you can contact Bezuidenhout on 064 815 5380.

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