Paul Greyling Primary archers gear up for nationals in Kimberley

Lonwabo Marele|Published 5 months ago

Paul Greyling Primary School’s archers, Flippie du Preez, Joshlyn Kleinveld and Duané Botes, with coaches, from left, Edna Roberts, Annemé McDonald, Leigh Maritz and school principal, Andre Engelbrecht. Absent is coach Hester Horn. Picture: Lonwabo Marele

Paul Greyling Primary School archers Duanè Botes and Flippie du Preez are preparing to represent the Western Cape Primary School’s archery team at the Inter-Provincial and National Championships in Kimberley during the September school holidays.

The two archers are among nine from the Fish Hoek-based school who participated in Western Cape Archery competitions across the first three school terms.

The event is hosted by Africa Genesis Archery South Africa (AGA-SA), formerly the National Archery in the Schools Programme South Africa. AGA-SA is affiliated with the Africa Genesis Archery Federation (AGAF), the international governing body for the sport in southern Africa.

The provincial school’s archery programme includes pupils from Grade 2 to Grade 12, with participating schools including Paul Greyling Primary, Bastion Primary School, Watsonia Primary School, Curro Somerset West, as well as Stellenberg High (Bowtime Club), Eben Dongës High, Monument Park High from Kraaifontein, Gene Louw (Bulzeye Club), Protea Heights Academic, Durbanville High, Bellville High, Labori High and Fairmont High.

Duanè won a gold medal as one of the top three female Grade 7 archers, a silver in 3D shooting, and a bronze for the top three Primary School Girls for 2024. She earned a medal or a trophy in every competition this year and secured her spot in the provincial team.

Michla Botes said the national competition offers the chance for her daughter to become a Junior Springbok Archer, but they need financial support to make it happen.

“Duanè has the potential to reach great heights in archery, and this competition is her opportunity,” said Botes.

Flippie, from Muizenberg, joined the school’s archery team in February last year and secured a spot on the provincial team for the event in Kimberley on September 25.

The 15-year-old Grade 6 bowman has a BackaBuddy page to raise funds for his trip to Kimberley.

Originally from Pretoria, Grade 6 pupil Joshlyn Kleinveld set a personal best with 79 out of 150 points and earned a bronze medal as one of the top three female archers in her grade at the provincial championships at Gene Louw Primary in July. Her goal is to follow in the footsteps of her school teammates, Duanè and Flippie, by making the provincial team soon.

The school’s archery team is coached by Edna Roberts, Annemé McDonald, Hester Horn and Leigh Maritz.

Coach Roberts emphasised that it’s not just about winning medals but about the progress each pupil makes.

“If they can just realise the potential we see in them, it would make a big difference. Sometimes they only see their circumstances, we see their potential,” said Roberts.

For any donations, contact Edna Roberts on 021 782 3940 at Paul Greyling Primary School.

Duané Botes is ready to bring back more medals from the Inter-Provincial and National Championships in Kimberley over the September school holidays. Picture: Lonwabo Marele

Paul Greyling Primary School’s coach Edna Roberts with Duanè Botes, Flippie du Preez and Joshlyn Kleinveld. Duanè and Flippie will represent the provincial teams at the nationals in Kimberley over the September school holidays. Picture: Lonwabo Marele

Meanwhile, just outside the school hall, foundation phase pupils from Paul Greyling Primary enjoyed a visit from the City of Cape Town’s Fire and Rescue Service. Picture: Lonwabo Marele