OUDTSHOORN NEWS - After years of dedication, sacrifice and training, six athletes and two coaches from the South Western District (SWD) helped team South Africa achieve its most successful MWF World Championship campaign to date in Katowice, Poland.
Wearing their Protea colours, Chloé Barnard, Willisha Hendricks, Willdene Piedt, Mbalantle Tyatya, Dané Mei and Karishney Pikaan competed at the championship from 26 to 28 September.
The championship attracted 82 teams from 11 countries, with approximately 3 000 participants.Their journey took them through Ethiopia, Vienna and Warsaw before they arrived in Katowice.
SWD coaches lead the way
Ronald Presher as the junior team coach and Megan Presher as the senior team coach led the teams to several impressive results. The junior team secured fourth place in junior mace and sixth place in junior baton defilé under Ronald’s guidance.
The senior team achieved second place in senior mace stage, fifth in senior baton classic and sixth in senior baton flag.
The SA male athletes also secured first and second places in the individual pom, baton and mace solo categories. The country competed in several other categories, including solo baton, solo mace, solo pom pon, duo, trio and mini formation.
Inspiration
Beyond the results, the athletes’ participation highlighted the talent emerging from the SWD and provided inspiration for young majorettes hoping to earn their Protea colours. For Ronald and Megan Presher, leading the two teams was a significant achievement and for the athletes, representing South Africa was the fulfilment of a dream.
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