This young shooting star from Netreg needs your help to get him to England.
Gaige Heynes, 16, has been playing competitive pool since the age of 11 and is trying to raise R22 000 to compete in the 2019 World Eight Ball Championships in Blackpool from 19 to 29 June.
His proud mother, Nadia Heynes, 36, says she wants her son to grab this opportunity with both hands after he missed out last year.
“Gaige got the opportunity last year to also attend the same championships, but due to financial difficulty at home, he could not attend and people who promised sponsorships never pitched,” she says.
The family received the invitation in early December and says Gaige is one of four other Capetonians and two Joburgers who were invited to play for the South African under-18 team.
“I am so proud of Gaige as this is his passion. We are really trying to raise the monies for him to attend as this is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for him to go to England.
TALENT: Gaige with trophies
“I am unemployed and his father’s contract ends this week, but we have raffles underway to raise funds. We also have a neighbour who is assisting us in trying to get Gaige sponsorship,” she says.
It’s not just all fun and games for Gaige, who is currently in Grade 11.
“We have an agreement which he has been upholding; that if he slacks in his school work, there will be no more playing of pool. Last year he was fifth in his class,” she says.
An excited Gaige says his idol is number one ranked pool player in the world, Paul Bennett.
“It would be my dream come true if I would go to England to represent my country. Playing pool is my life outside of school,” Gaige says.
If you would like to assist, call Nadia on 062 901 7850.