Christmas arrived much early for the desperate SA National Climbing Federation (SANCF) as the Chinese embassy in Pretoria handed them a handsome donation of R200, 000 so they could realize their immediate dream.
The valuable contribution will make it possible for the SANCF team to participate at the 2024 International Federation of Sports Climbing (IFSC) Youth World Championships – set to be hosted in China later this month.
The championships have been scheduled to commence from August 22 in the Chinese city of Guiyang, the capital of Guizhou province.
The SANCF was struggling to fund their team to travel and to compete abroad, until the Embassy of China in SA intervened by availing sufficient funds to enable travelling and participation in the championships.
The donation was handed over by the Chinese ambassador to SA, Amb Wu Peng, at a wonderful ceremony inside the embassy HQ in Pretoria.
The donation was made more significant in that it was handed over to the SANCF on the same day that the federation’s team was scheduled to depart for China.
The SA Youth Climbing Team Manager, Ms Carmen Bouwer, received the donation with great thanks and appreciation. She was visibly overwhelmed with joy and emotion, but managed to thank the Chinese embassy for making the dreams of so many young South African team members to come true.
Ms Bouwer was also taken by a huge but pleasant surprise when the Chinese embassy staff presented her with an unexpected massive cake specially baked for her on her birthday. A loud chorus of the singing of “Happy birthday to you” filled the room. Watched by her team members wearing their green and gold uniforms, Ms Bouwer was joined on stage by Amb Wu Peng as they cut the cake together.
The atmosphere was more intimate and family-like. “This is something we never expected,” one team member whispered with delight. “We will never forget this day,” he said. Amb Wu Peng shook hands with excited team members and their coaching staff. “We wish you everything of the best as you travel to China. We hope the fond memories from the trip will last many years to come,” Amb Wu Peng said.
