African Championship Report by Wendy Gila
THE 2010 African Inline Speed championship was a huge success. With entries from Cameroon, Ghana, Kenya, Malawi, Nigeria, Uganda and South Africa the championship was organised in Mandela Village, Hammanskraal.
The African Confederation for Roller Sports was newly established last year with Mrs. Wendy Gila as President. After many years of unfortunate mismanagement the Confederation is finally back on its feet and looking forward to a bright future. This was the first African championship in 8 years and our skaters were delighted to be able to compete in the Continental championship again.
A very strong South African team participated against the visiting African countries. Four of the South African team members just returned from World championship in Colombia where they performed exceptionally well. Tshepo Modikwe won 5 medals in a grand prix international event in Italy in August.
The South African team of 9 skaters was the most experience and won nearly all the medals. The team members were: Ubakeng Boikanyo, Brian Baloyi, Koketso Makhudu, Tshepo Modikwe, Sandile Peyi and Karabo Molepo in the Senior Men and Tumelo Moteme, Duduzile Tshabalala and Kedibone Legote in the Senior Ladies Section.
Exceptional performances of Tshepo Modikwe, Brian Baloyi, Tumelo Moteme and Duduzile Tshabalala brought South Africa 10 Gold Medals in distances of 200m, 500m, 1000m, 3km, 5km, 20km and a 5km relay.
With the continued support of the National Lotteries Distribution trust fund and Sport and Recreation South Africa Roller Sport is growing all over the country and many more clubs are being established in communities like Hammanskraal.
The opening ceremony featured young Figure skaters, local ballroom dancers and the local Pre-school, Are Itireleng kids performing. The local Pre School kids stole everybody’s hearts with their performance.
