Young George grapplers make their mark on the continental stage

SPORT NEWS - Young athletes from Bear Fight Club Academy in George delivered outstanding performances at the ADCC African Championship, bringing home five medals from five competitors and proudly representing three local schools.

Their coach, Robert Harris, says the little fighters impressed with their performances, especially when considered that for some of them it was only their first and second tournament participation.

The championship was held on 6 and 7 December at the German International School in Cape Town and the boys took part in Submission Fighting / Grappling / No-Gi Jiu-Jitsu.

"We are incredibly proud of all our students who stepped onto the mats. The support, encouragement and commitment from their parents play a massive role in their success in performing at this level," says Harris.

The results are as follows:
• Boys U8 -28kg - Noah Lenhard, Holy Cross Primary - Bronze

• Boys U8 -32kg and -36kg - Willem Klopper, Holy Cross Primary - 2 Silver medals. He competed two weight classes up and reached both finals.

• Boys U10 -28kg - Jean Malan, George South Primary - Bronze

• Boys U12 -32kg - Albert Malan, George South Primary - Gold.

• Boys U17 -80kg - Ethan Hartzenberg, Outeniqua High - Silver. Ethan is only 15 and lost a close final on points to a 17-year-old.

Willem Klopper brought two medals home. Photo supplied