Tamia Samuel, 8, from Bridgetown, has an opportunity to represent her country at global gymnastics exhibition in Amsterdam, but she needs help to get there.
According to Shervon Samuel, Tamia’s mom, her daughter has been interested in gymnastics since the age of 3 and joined Bemur Gymnastics Club in Athlone when she was 6.
“She is so excited on Fridays because she has training after school. She is learning a lot. Her favourite thing to do is the back walkover,” Ms Samuel said. “I am her biggest supporter, and it really lightens my heart knowing that she is happy.”
The World Gymnaestrada, a non-competitive event, is held every four years in a different country, and, according to Gymnastics South Africa’s project manager, Caron Henry, it draws 20 000 participants from 60 countries.
This year, it will be held in Amsterdam, from Sunday July 30 to Saturday August 5, and Tamia would participate over three days, but airfare and accommodation for her and her mother, who would accompany Tamia as she is too young to travel alone, is R80 000.
“Gymnastics SA does not handle individual sponsorship money – it is the responsibility of the participant to meet the required financial deadlines,” said Mr Henry.
Tamia’s coach, Barbara Murphey, said the event would give Tamia and her teammates a chance to share traditions and cultures with other countries.
“They are seven gymnasts from Bemur Gymnastics Club who will be attending the event. Tamia is a dedicated and hard-working gymnast and makes it her business to be able to master the new skills she is required to do.”
Contact Shervon Samuel at 078 679 6542 if you want to help.
