Sponsorship | Junior & U23 RSA kayak slalom and cross team need your help to get to the World Championships in France!
We are the South African Junior and U23 Canoe Slalom Team - a dedicated group of young athletes with big ambitions. Our current goal is to represent our country at the Canoe Slalom World Championships in Foix, France, this July. Looking further ahead, all our athletes have been submitted on Olympic Long Lists as potential Olympians.
Help Us Represent South Africa on the World Stage!
Kayak Cross and Slalom are both visually captivating sports which entail an athlete to navigate their way through poles down a flowing section of water through a flowing section of water. For many of us, this is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. We are currently balancing our school or university studies with intense training and part-time jobs. Driven by our passion for paddling and our pride in wearing the green and gold, we aim to showcase the strength and spirit of our nation to the world. However, the cost of getting to France is quite high, and without funding, some of us may not be able to make the trip.
Your support, no matter how big or small, will help cover our travel and accommodation, bringing us one step closer to making South Africa proud on a global stage. The funding we seek would cover approximately 50% of the total trip costs. Other expenses, such as food, equipment, race entry fees, team kit, and medical costs, will be covered by the team members themselves. Our sport is small in a country with very limited funding, and as there is no federation or national funding, everything relies on the athletes.
Meet Our Team Members
Hannah Trower: U18 Woman, from Underberg, KZN. She loves the outdoors, chasing adventures, and meeting amazing people. Kayaking takes her to fantastic locations and connects her with an incredible community.
Emmi Wood: U23 Woman, is a final-year accounting student at Stellenbosch University. Her paddling journey began in Pietermaritzburg, inspired by her father and their shared spirit of adventure. Paddling for her is freedom, focus and fun all rolled together. A former national canoe polo player and keen runner, she is always on the move and pursuing new challenges — and making memories along the way.
Waris Mills: U23 Woman, a river guide, lifeguard, and all-around adventurer based in Cape Town. Originally from Belgium and raised across six countries, she is obsessed with paddling. Kayak cross is her ultimate challenge—fast, technical, and exhilarating. When not on the river, Waris is chasing her next adventure on land, sea, or sky.
Scott Venniker: U18 Man, a proud Maritzburg College student from Underberg, where rivers run wild and adventure is part of daily life. Scott’s love for kayaking started with good company — friends, family, and the thrill of just being out on the water.
Brayden Raw: U23 Man, a 22-year-old kayaker raised between Swaziland and KZN. Kayaking runs in his family—he has paddled with three generations and helped his 81-year-old grandpa down the Dusi. For him, it’s not just a sport; it’s a way of life.
Matthew van Heerden: U23 Man from the small town of Dundee, Matt’s kayaking story began the day he paddled his first river with his dad — and he’s been hooked ever since. That one adventure sparked a lifelong passion, turning curiosity into commitment and determination. Matt always strives to push himself to be the best athlete he can be.
James Gotte: U18 Man from KZN and a student at Maritzburg College. He is addicted to kayak cross and slalom—the chaos, adrenaline, and competition keep him coming back. If it’s fast, wild, and outdoors, he’s in! We will also be traveling with a Manager, an Assistant Manager/Female Representative, and a Coach, per our governing body’s requirements.
While we understand that traditional sponsorships can be hard to come by, if your brand feels like it could benefit from being associated with us, we can offer a minimum of the following:
10% Sponsors: Brand stickers on paddles and a media post featuring your brand.
20% Sponsors: Brand stickers on boats and paddles and a mention in each media post. We would gladly discuss any other exposure options for your brand as well.
If you have any questions or require a detailed breakdown of costs, please feel free to contact us. Kayaking reminds us that the best moments in life aren’t always planned — they’re shared, spontaneous, and found somewhere between the rapids.
Team Letter Jnr U23 Slalom 2025
Thank you for believing in us and being part of our journey! https://www.backabuddy.co.za/campaign/rsa-jnru23-canoe-slalom-worlds-team-to-france
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sports sponsorship, South African Junior and U23 Canoe Slalom Team