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 A generous R40 000 sponsorship from National Auto Glass has ensured the participation of three paddlers from the Surfskischool's development squad in the World Cup event at Durban's Bay of Plenty in July.
The Chesterville paddlers, Wanda Mbutho, Xolani Mkhize and Mthunzi Ngcobo were selected for the Chairman's Team for the international event.
"It is not just about this one event," explains their coach, Barry Lewin, "the sponsorship will cover the Surfskischool development squad's expenses for the rest of the year. " This includes their skis, kit, traveling expenses and coaching costs.
 Steven Swart, owner of National Auto Glass, is seen here with the Sufrskischool squad his company has sponsored. They are (from left): Wanda Mbutho, Mthunzi Ngcobo, Xolani Mkhize and Stembiso Mbatha
Steven Swart, owner of National Auto Glass said he sees the sponsorship as putting something back into the sport that has given him such pleasure. As a keen paddler he has raced in the regular surfski series, participated in events in Ireland and Spain and has also completed a number of river races.
"I am glad we could help these young sportsmen", said Swart, "being selected for the world cup squad is quite an achievement."
The squad members took delivery of their new skis recently, and are now training on their race-craft. "This is great," said Mthunzi Ngcobo, one of the paddlers, "these skis are much lighter and faster than our training craft and now we have time to adjust to the new equipment."
 At an early morning session the guys were quick to put their sponsor's logo on their new race-skis.
Ngcobo and fellow squad members, Xolani Mkhize and Wanda Mbutho will spend as much time on the water over the next weeks in preparation for the 30-kilometre event that is being held at the Bay Of Plenty at the beginning of July.
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