Young wrestler dreams of 2016 Olympic Games

Marno Plaatjies will represent South Africa at the Spanish Open Tournament in July this year

Says Plaatjies: "My participation in Spain is part of my preparation to go to the World Championships in Las Vegas in September, where I hope to qualify for the Olympic Games." Plaatjies, who lived with his grandmother and aunt in Fisantekraal, obtained his Diploma in Coaching Science at the ETA in Stellenbosch.

Says Wendy Bosse, secretary of the Olympians Sport Academy: "Marno is one of our rising stars! We're extremely proud of his achievements and wish him the best of luck in Spain. The main purpose of the Olympians Sport Academy (OSA) is to reach the youth and teach them that one can follow a different lifestyle, have dreams and accomplish them. And it's all made possible through business and personal sponsorships. Without the help of companies such as Durbell Pharmacies and people like Tiny van Schalkwyk, it won't be possible for us to take this sport to the communities and uplift lives.

Durbell Pharmacies and Tiny have helped make this possible for Marno. They've been sponsors of the OSA, which has been in partnership with Olympians Social Development and Education (OSDE), since 2007. They've made a huge contribution over the years and also assist when we have wrestlers who need to take part internationally and we have a shortfall."

The Olympians Sport Academy and OSDE work to uplift children from the rural areas which include transport to training facilities and tournaments, food and wrestling gear.

Bosse continues: "These kids are from rural and sub-economic areas. We presently have five hubs, including Klipheuwel, Fisantekraal, Durbanville, Joostenberg Vlakte en Philadelphia. We have about eight wrestlers who have stayed with us since 2006 and they all come from rural areas. These wrestlers have been trained as coaches and we use them to coach the other children in the communities. We had three wrestlers (all from the rural areas) who represented South Africa at the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow in 2014. One of our girls, Norma Gordon (from Klipheuwel) was the first Junior Lady to win a medal at the Africa Championships."

Says Tiny van Schalkwyk, General Manager at Durbell Pharmacies: "It's an honour for us to be involved with the OSA and OSDE. It's truly heart-warming to see just how much these kids benefit and develop through their involvement. We're extremely proud of our association and wish Marno and his team mates the best of luck!"
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