Cape Town - It was a glorious occasion for the team of the Federation of Dance Drill, Cheerleading and Majorette Sport South Africa who arrived home on Wednesday after competing at the World Championship of Majorette Sport in Agen, France.
The national team competed against 25 countries across the world from 18-21 July and brought home 11 gold medals, 13 silver medals and seven bronze medals.
The Western Cape team was greeted by family and supporters at Cape Town International Airport who awaited their arrival.
Coach for the Senior National team in the Western Cape, Chantal Lombard said: “We are so happy to be back and thankful we made it home safely but the welcoming from our Capetonians was heartwarming. The championship was very intense, competing against so many countries across the world, but for us to represent our country was phenomenal.”
The national team comprised of 67 athletes, aged nine to 45, from across the country, including Johannesburg, Cape Town, KwaZulu-Natal, Eastern Cape and Limpopo.
Although this is an amazing opportunity for the athletes, getting sponsorship is not easy, as every athlete is responsible for their own funds to go to competitions.
Lombard said in the Western Cape about 60-80 athletes have their South African colours but only 20 were able to go overseas.
“It has been very difficult because most of these children come from disadvantaged areas so most of their parents either need to make a loan or host fundraisers.
“Some athletes were lucky enough for the school to assist them partly with sponsorship to help the parents out. We are a lot more athletes with our SA colours but not everyone can afford to go or come up with the money.”
“Getting funding is not easy, we tried to approach so many organisations to assist but unfortunately we don’t get any feedback or there is always an excuse as to why we can’t get any funding. We are not government funded but our parents have been pushing the most to get the children on the flight.”
Proud parent, Kim Smith has two daughters aged 13 and 15 years who are members of the President High School Drum Majorettes and FDDCMSA said she already spent R100 000 so far on drummies.
“I am extremely proud of the girls. Last year they did well in Croatia but this year they went above and beyond to make South Africa proud. They did not just do it for us but the whole country to get drummies recognised.”
“Both of my daughters have their South African colours, so we need to take turns on who gets to go to championships overseas. My 13-year-old went to Croatia last year and this year my 15-year-old went to France.
“It has been emotionally and physically draining because the sport is not recognised, so when we go out for sponsorship, people close the doors in our face because they don’t know what drum majorettes are and how good the team is.”
“I spent close to R100 000 and we are only half way through the year, that is for transport, uniform, flight tickets, everything included. Although it is an extremely expensive sport, it is so beautiful to see the smiles on our children’s faces which makes it all worth it.”
She said that they are solely dependent on family and friends who support with fundraisers.
Sports, Arts and Culture Minister Gayton McKenzie has been vocal about defunding free trips for super fans to go abroad with taxpayers’ money while athletes are struggling to raise money to attend sporting events.
Attempts to reach out to the minister were unsuccessful but spokesperson Cassiday Rangata-Jacob said the minister met with several stakeholders and federations because he is committed to change.