Cape Town - The Federation of Dance Drill, Cheerleading and Majorette Sport SA represented the country with great success as they showcased determination to scoop 11 gold, 13 silver and seven bronze medals at the World Championship of Majorette Sport in Agen, France.
Members of the national team hailing from the Western Cape were greeted by excited family members and supporters as they arrived at Cape Town International Airport yesterday after competing against 25 countries from July 18-21.
Chantal Lombard, coach for the senior national team in the Western Cape, said: “We are so happy to be back and thankful we made it alive safely. The welcoming approach from our Capetonians was heart-warming. We had two days of sightseeing and four days of intense competition.
“The championship was very intense, competing against so many countries across the world, but for us to represent our country was phenomenal. In preparation for the competition we had training for the past seven months with seven-hour sessions.”
The national team comprised of 67 athletes from across the country including Johannesburg, Cape Town, Kwa-Zulu Natal, the Eastern Cape and Limpopo between the ages of 9 and 45 years.
Twenty athletes from the Western Cape, including Bellville, Goodwood, Delft and Parow, to name a few, competed in France and succeeded in eight of the 12 categories.
Xena Sampear, 21, from Bellville, said she had been a drum majorette for 14 years and did a duo with Lombard, placing second worldwide.
She was also the captain of the mace display, where they placed first.
“France was amazing but the weather was a massive change as it was so hot. The competition was very hectic and we won a lot of gold so we had a good time. I enjoy drummies a lot, it brings all of us together and creates friendships that last forever,” said Sampear.
“If we can push for drummies to be an Olympic sport soon, that would be amazing, if we can get the recognition then I will be very happy,” Sampear said.
Screaming the loudest at the airport was proud mother Kim Smith, who has two daughters who are members of the President High School drum majorettes.
“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,” said Smith.
Cape Argus