R25 000 for gymnast games

This talented young gymnast from Zeekoevlei is in urgent need of funding to help him realise his dream of taking part in an international competition.

Ishmaeel Appies, 16, a Grade 11 pupil at Spine Road High School in Mitchells Plain, has been invited to participate in the Scalabis Cup, to be held in Portugal from 2-7 July.

This after he impressed judges at the Madiba Cup competition in January.

“He has loved gymnastics since he was very young, and joined Brawns Gymnastics Club in Bergvliet when he was in Grade 1,” his mother, Latiefa Appies, told the Cape Argus.

Ishmaeel has won numerous awards for gymnastics and received the gold medal in tumbling and the double mini at the Madiba Cup.

He has represented South Africa in the Region 5 Gymnastics Competition for three consecutive years and was the national champion in his age group five times.

Club owner Natalie Hobbs says: “Ishmaeel joined Brawns when he was very young and has continued to display great talent and sportsmanlike conduct.”

Love for gymnastics runs in the family, with Ishmaeel’s younger siblings, Jihaad, 10, and twins Imaan and Nuraan, 12, all at the club and excelling in the sport.

“Their dad, Adnaan Appies, is a gymnastics coach at Spine Road High School, so that’s where the kids draw their inspiration from,” says Latiefa.

Ishmaeel plans to be a pro gymnast, but wants to study education.

The estimated cost is R25 000. To assist, mail [email protected].