Florida Lake paddlers win big at prize-giving
Shaun Maphanga receives multiple awards
The Florida Lake Canoe Club (FLCC) recently held their annual prize-giving to award paddlers for their achievements during the past racing year.
“The canoeing race season runs from 1 April to 31 March. The rivers are in flood between December and March, and major races such as the Fish, Dusi and Umkomaas take place during the high rainfall season,” said Jennie Dallas from the FLCC.
The club’s top paddler, Shaun Maphanga, was one of the big winners on the night. He not only took the Award of Excellence, Top Veteran and Leader Award, but also shared the Paddler of the Year award with para-canoeist Constant Olivier.
Shaun was recognised for his achievements during the past two years’ FNB Dusi Marathn, where he clinched a podium position in his age category (39/ 40 years) as well as being a Top 50 Silver medallist. Constant was recognised for his achievements at both the SA Sprint Competition and the World Marathon Championships, which took place in South Africa last year.
Emile Theunissen was recognised as a top achiever in the U/23 category, and received the Legend Award for having represented South Africa at the World Marathons. He also received the Father and Son Trophy, for racing with his father, Hardus Theunissen.
Tristan Trican was the top U/18 Junior achiever and also received the award for the Most Improved Paddler.
The first finishers in the Fish River race and the FNB Dusi Marathon were recognised and awards were presented to Serge van Hee and his partner (Fish River race) and Malusi Nxumalo and Douw Kruger (FNB Dusi).
Stefan Rautenbach, who could unfortunately not be present at the prize-giving ceremony, was awarded the Rescue award, for rescuing a trapped paddler at the FNB Dusi in February. The trophy was designed and handcrafted by Raymond Olivier from the Roodepoort Athletics Club.
Numerous other awards were also handed out on the night, including:
• Club Spirit – Jennie Dallas
• Chairman’s Award for Most Valuable Member – Bertie Baard
• Best Seconder – Cheryl Smith
• Staffie Award for never giving up – Douw Kruger
• Top Sub Grand Master – Patrick Thomas
• Top Sub Veteran – Serge van Hee
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