PLETTENBERG BAY NEWS - A young Plettenberg Bay resident has been identified as one of the country’s best when it comes to the sport of tug-of-war.
Nineteen-year-old Danette Kapp has been chosen to represent South Africa in the Giselle team when the country takes on the rest of the world at the international championships in Southport England in September.
“It is such an honour to represent South Africa at this level in a sport I am truly passionate about,” the former Wittedrift High School learner said.
Kapp explained that the reason she loved the sport is that it is “truly a team sport in every in every way”.
“In any other team sports, even though you play in a team, you are still out there as an individual. For example in rugby, if you receive the ball it is you running out there alone. In tug-of-war each team member has to work together in unison to defeat the opposition,” Kapp said, adding that she started doing tug-of-war when she arrived in high school.
“During my junior school years I played many sports and when I got to high school I wanted to do something different.”
Kapp said along with a few of her friends they started a team and progressed over the years. They eventually participated in several SWD tournaments and were chosen for the senior team when she was in Grade 10.
She then went on to play with the George tug-of-war club and participated in Eden District tournaments.
The following year she was chosen to participate in the SA tug-of-war championship as well as the president team, which competed in Zambia.
“When I finished matric last year I decided to continue participating.”
She said taking part in tug-of-war requires high levels of fitness and discipline and therefore she tries to practise every day. She also does other forms of exercise to keep her fitness levels up, including CrossFit.
Getting to the championships in England is, however, going to require more than fitness and passion. Kapp said the trip is set to cost her about R30 000 and therefore she has started fundraising in earnest.
She is currently doing raffles from R20 a ticket which includes prizes such as a DStv Explora and a professional photo shoot.
“We are also hosting a sokkie (dance) at Wittedrift High School on July 29. Tickets are R50 and include an automatic entry into a raffle. There will also be a movie and popcorn for children at R20.”
For more information or raffles, contact Kapp on 081-385-3223 or her mother Lynne Kapp on 061-407-6635. Raffles are also available at CrossFit Plett and Curves.
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