Nippers Newsletter
16th July 2020
Dear Parents & Nippers
Hope this message finds you all in good health and strength during these trying and challenging times. It’s been an unexpected, unusual and rather disappointing sports season for many. What is so encouraging to witness is how well our nippers and parents adjusted positively to the current situation.
Covid-19
All activities have been abruptly put on hold at the club. This resulted in us unfortunately, not being able to have any club activities and mass gatherings until it’s completely safe to do so. Our exec committee is in the process of making sure that our entire club is compliant and adhering to the regulations that have been set out to all sporting clubs. We will share more of this as we progress to the new season.
2019-2020 Season Summary
On behalf of our coaches, subcommittee members and myself, allow me to express my sincere appreciation to all of you who contributed towards making our nippers season a memorable one. Although our nipper intake has being lacking at the start of the season, we showed by working together, our group of enthusiastic nippers received the quality training, which was so evident just before WC champs. Our nippers showed us what teamwork is all about, and that unity shone when they pulled out a great win at WC Champs! Well done FISHHOEK!!
Micro-Nippers: I always enjoy watching the future of our club starting at the tiny Micro-Nippers. This is where the FH Club culture of friendship, family, teamwork and the love for the ocean is first ignited. Karen, Lauren and the team of coaches did some great work and I do believe that we going to see some exciting nippers joining U10 next season. We will also be driving the Micro inter club competition early into the season.
Under10 Nippers: It was so heart-warming to see that our brave girls finally hitting the water in their numbers. Girl power is surely back at nippers! U10 senior nippers left their footprints in the sand and we will surely miss them next season. A huge thank you the Giuseppe and his fantastic team of coaches who made sure that our little ones stay safe. Great Job!!!
Under12 Nippers: Our biggest group and the heartbeat of the nippers. They were fantastic, hungry and enthusiastic. I am sure they would have had a wonderful SA CHAMPS tournament. Well done and thank you to Julian, Nikki and Denver for the hard work you have put in to get them ready for the next level.
Under 14 Nippers: Oh, what a season our future lifeguards had. Awesome! Breathtaking! That is all I can say. Thank you to Pete, Leon, Tyrell and Lee for bringing out the best in our senior nippers. You were fantastic! I am truly sad to bid farewell to such a good bunch of teenagers that I have come to know, love and respect.
A massive thank you to all the parents who helped out in the water as safety during training. Without you our kids would not feel the support and encouragement that gets them to the buoys each session!
Wrap up/ Award presentation
Seeing that the 2019/2020 season was a little out of the ordinary with us competing a lot less than expected, our annual awards presentation will not happen. After consultation we have decided to simplify the prize giving and the following awards three categories were decided on.
- Most improve boy and girl per age group.
- WAKEFORD TROPHY sportsmanship – fairness, ethics, respect, and a sense of fellowship with one’s competitors. A good sport means being a “good winner” as well as being a “good loser”. Attributes – fairness, self-control, courage, and persistence, and has been associated with interpersonal concepts of treating others and being treated fairly, maintaining self-control if dealing with others, and respect for both authority and opponents.
- MOCKE TROPHY (extra mile, most committed – always loyal and willing to give their time and energy to something that they believe in, irrespective of the personal toll this may take.
Award Winners for:
- U10 MOST IMPROVED BOY: Max Dutton
- U10 MOST IMPROVED GIRL: Bella Stallard
- U12 MOST IMPROVED BOY: Zach le Roux
- U12 MOST IMPROVED GIRL: Anna Holland
- U14 MOST IMPROVED BOY: Kaedyn Hansen
- U14 MOST IMPROVED GIRL : Babette van Rooyen
- WAKEFORD TROPHY : Heath Clarke
- MOCKE TROPHY : Babette van Rooyen
Under normal situations we would have announced our overall top scorers as well. Congratulations all our nippers. You were just outstanding and showed unbelievable sportsmanship throughout. As a coach to many of you past and present, I am truly grateful to each one of you for contributing in every way possible to the bigger team.
Follow this link for a short video from our coaches: https://youtu.be/c-vhnQmhB4M
Lastly, we will be communicating our layout and plans for the upcoming nipper 2020/2021 season, we cannot wait to get back onto the water! Looking forward to seeing you all soon.
