HUNDREDS of pupils descended on the AR Abass Stadium in Kimberley yesterday for the opening of the Armed Forces Day Fan Park.
Pupils from as far as Springbok and Upington attended yesterday’s spectacular event, where armed forces members displayed their capabilities.
Attendees were treated to an air show, aerobatic flying and formation flying, a gun run and drill runs by the SANDF.
The events took place with military precision and left the spectators gasping in awe.
“I never expected it be as impressive as this. It was an adrenalin rush watching the air force displays, especially as they were flying so close. You could feel the wind from the helicopters and even when the soldiers were doing their attack formations, it felt like the bullets were real and you were part of the event,” one excited spectator said yesterday.
“For such an event to be brought to the city was worth every cent that was spent and Kimberley people really need to come out and see for themselves. It’s really not something we see every day - they pulled out all the stops and it was truly magnificent.
“The display by the Silver Falcons was really impressive. The dog unit was here, the bikers ... there was something for everyone and when you left you really felt like you wanted to join the armed forces.”
Educators who accompanied the pupils said yesterday that they were just as impressed with the event.
A teacher from Elizabeth Conradie School, which caters for children with special needs, Hester Scholtz, said that she was impressed with attention given to even the smallest of details.
“We have pupils with special needs and some are disabled. We have three pupils here today who are in wheelchairs and one on crutches. The members of the armed forces ensured that there was transportation for the pupils and each pupil was assigned their own medical official, who took care of them during the demonstrations. This took so much stress off us as teachers.
“The bathroom facilities are also wheelchair friendly and were within reach for all our pupils. The medics ensured that all pupils were comfortable at all times and were able to watch the displays. The pupils were prepared in the VIP unit before the start of the show to ensure they were not stressed or afraid of the noises as the aircraft flew overhead. The medics were not only professional but very hands-on and understanding of the needs of our pupils,” Scholtz said.
A teacher from Paballelo High School in Upington, Geswill Marckus, said that his pupils had learnt a lot about discipline as they watched the performances.
“I have 58 pupils here, ranging from Grade 9 to 11, who came to watch the demonstrations. The SANDF supplied us with the transportation for the pupils, who were elated to be part of the event. None of the pupils stepped out of line during the entire show and the were impressed by all the ceremony and demonstrations,” said Marckus.
He added that the event instilled a new respect in pupils for the armed forces and also planted a seed of interest in aspiring to become members.
“The event exposed the pupils to the many opportunities available in the armed forces. Many children were impressed by the parachute jumpers and pilots.
“They now have a burning interest in those careers. I am certain there will be some of them who will join the armed forces once they have completed their schooling. This event is a brilliant career exhibition.”
The pupils said that they were excited to be part of the event.
Others said that they were definitely interested in joining the armed forces.
“The uniforms of the members are impressive. It must be fun to jump out of a helicopter each day and get paid for it. We always thought that being in the army or navy meant waking up early and doing push-ups in the dirt.”
Events at the fan park kicked off yesterday and will continue until Wednesday next week. Entry is free and all community members, both young and old, are encouraged to visit the area and see the impressive displays.