Delft learners on a Moscow mission

Joseph van Syfer, 16, from Voorbrug and Alicia Heyman, 18, from Roosendal are both in Grade 11 at Roosendal High School.

The two were selected for the Pierre de Coubertin Award, out of the top 10 academic and sport stars in their grade.

The award recognises high school students who demonstrate values which are consistent with the Olympic Movement through participation in sporting activities.

Joseph and Alicia will compete in cross country, swimming, javelin, sprints and long jump in Russia.

Their proud teacher Virgil Felix says: “The competition is held every second year. We are proud because these students are putting Roosendal High School and Delft on the map.”

For both, this will be their first trip overseas and the first time on an aeroplane.

Joseph says: “I’m very excited and I grabbed this opportunity with both hands. I’m practising almost every day in order to be the best I can be for the competition.”

Alicia said she is still in shock after hearing she was selected.

“I couldn’t believe it. I’m so nervous and just want to do my school and community proud.”

The learners had to do three weeks of community service as part of their award, participating in holiday programmes to keep kids off the streets.

“We interacted with children for the full three weeks and had no school holiday to ourselves, but we enjoyed the experience,” says Alicia.

They will leave on 17 August and the Pierre de Coubertin Olympics takes place from 19 to 26 August.

Delft Community Development worker Gadija Francis says Alicia and Joseph still need money and other essentials.

“They still need running shoes, running gear, spending money and other small items.

“We are having a farewell for them (next Tuesday) and we appeal to those who can donate to their cause to do so by calling Mr Fritz on 081 438 8013.”