Team members of the South African National Powered Paragliding Team visited Louis Trichardt over the past weekend.

They wanted to scout the area with a view to the possible hosting of the South African Power Paragliding Championships in the Soutpansberg area.

“We are looking for sights with a true South African feel and with little air traffic,” explains team leader Tony Gibson.

Areas that they have already visited included Barberton, Potchefstroom and Carletonville. After Louis Trichardt, they still had two more areas to scout.

During the interview, it was evident that Louis Trichardt, as well as the surrounding areas, has truly caught their attention.

“The only downside is logistics,” says Tony.

“But preliminary discussions with the Air Force Base Makhado have revealed that they will be prepared to assist with that,” he added.

Tony explains that such a competition usually spans four days and attracts about 60 pilots, together with their families. The idea is to attract visitors to the competition with a carnival because, most of the time, pilots will not be visible during the competition.

“The event will also be covered by national television and therefore community involvement is going to be essential.”

This includes a venue, sponsorships and marshals who are familiar with the area, who can help pilots if they get lost.

Tony has invited anybody wanting to know more to contact him through his web-page at www.ppg.co.za.

“If we can pull of this competition, who knows, we might even host the World Championships!”