Majorette and cheerleading sport has now gained a foothold in schools across the Frances Baard District, where it has quickly become a spectator favourite. Seen are the pom pom girls from Diamantveld High School. Picture: Danie van der Lith
Who would have thought that showing your support for your team and your “gees” for your sport of choice could involve more than simply painting your face, wearing your colours, and screaming and singing till you were completely hoarse?
But the fact is, there is more … much more!
In fact, in an exciting development for the Northern Cape sports community, a new federation has been officially established.
The Federation of Dance Drill, Cheerleading, and Majorette Sport Northern Cape (FDDCMNC) is now affiliated with the national governing body, the Federation of Dance Drill, Cheerleading, and Majorette Sport South Africa (FDDCMSA).
The official launch of the FDDCMNC will be marked by a Skills Development Day on October 5, 2024, at Staats Primary School in Kimberley. The event, running from 8am to 4pm, will offer technique training sessions and a course for coaches and judges, providing attendees with valuable skills and knowledge to enhance their performance and officiating abilities.
The development day is a major step forward in promoting this thrilling sport within the region.
The FDDCMSA is well-established nationally and offers a competitive platform at local, provincial, and national levels. This year, South Africa made a remarkable impact on the international stage at the IAM World Majorette Championship in Agen, France.
Competing against 25 countries in July, the South African team brought home an impressive haul of 11 gold, 13 silver, and 7 bronze medals, highlighting the immense talent and dedication within the sport.
Majorette and cheerleading sport has now gained a foothold in schools across the Frances Baard District, where it has quickly become a spectator favourite. Spectators are thrilled by the energy and precision of the athletes, adding a vibrant atmosphere to school and community sporting events.
So far, five schools have introduced cheerleading / pom poms / majorettes as an extracurricular school sport.
The vision for the FDDCMNC has been spearheaded by Marcelle van der Lith, whose initiative to create the federation has been met with widespread enthusiasm.
According to Van der Lith, the establishment of the FDDCMNC will provide athletes with the opportunity to compete not just locally but also at the provincial and national levels, fostering personal growth and offering the chance to represent the Northern Cape at the FDDCMSA National Competitions.
In her statement, Van der Lith emphasised the importance of inclusivity and diversity within the sport.
“Encouraging and supporting the diverse sporting needs of the youth by embracing a non-racial and gender-neutral culture, while fuelling innovation and connecting communities, will be advantageous in many spheres. It offers an opportunity for young people who may not be able to participate in other sporting disciplines, allowing them to discover and develop their talents,” she said.
She added that the focus of the federation is not only on athletic excellence but also on empowering the youth to follow their dreams. “This sport requires commitment and dedication to strive for precision and perfection. In doing so, athletes develop valuable life skills, contributing to their growth and success in the future.”
The introduction of dance drill, cheerleading, and majorette as an extracurricular activity in schools in the region is expected to have a positive impact on youth development.
By providing a platform for young athletes to excel, the FDDCMNC aims to instil a sense of self-worth and confidence, boosting morale and inspiring young people to reach for their goals.
With the Skills Development Day set to be a landmark event, the FDDCMNC is ready to create a vibrant sporting community in the Northern Cape, offering countless opportunities for athletes to shine on both the provincial and national stages.
For more information or queries regarding the Skills Development Day, you can contact the FDDCMNC via e-mail at fddcmnc@gmail.com.
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