GEORGE NEWS - Swimming coach Erica Menton was invited by the Department of Sport and Recreation to attend a health and fitness convention at the Sandton Convention Centre in Johannesburg.
She also networked with some of the top sporting personalities in die country.

Among the celebrities were Lukas Radebe (Bafana Bafana and Leeds Soccer captain), Baby Jake Matlala (South African light weight boxing champion), Morné du Plessis (ex-Springbok rugby captain) and John Robbie (famous TV announcer and Irish and South African Rugby player). Menton was also privileged to meet John Smit (one of her heroes) and Prof Tim Noakes (Head of Sport Science in South Africa).

She learnt some very valuable coaching techniques which she will be applying to her swimming squad this year.
Prof Noakes emphasised that children should not be too competitive too early. He also said that coaches need to be egoless.
The great coaches do not care who receives the credit for success, provided that all are working in pursuit of perfection. The sole measure of their importance is how many lives they have changed for the better and the greatest compliment is to be called "coach".

"John Smit," Menton says, "is such a great role model and an amazing person. He said he will always remember what his mom taught him "it’s nice to be important, but more important to be nice".


George swimming coach Erica Menton with her idol, Springbok rugby captain John Smit.