In celebration of Father’s Day, I have asked our young athletes to share what’s on their hearts about their dads. Their messages and words about their dads really touched my heart, and shows again the important role of a dad being a Father and Priest in the household. For us at Heslop Sports, we are grateful for our earthly dads and the powerful ways that they have shaped and influenced our lives. But above that, we are blessed and honoured to call Our Father in Heaven our one true Dad.
Ruan Breytenbach – Swimmer
My dad Henk Breytenbach
My dad never misses one of my galas no matter how big or small, he will always make sure he is there. My dad is one of my biggest supporters, sometimes I think he stresses just about as much as I do. He will always make sure to bring me my towel and take my clothes after every race, he will also stand by me while I do my cool down laps, I like that very much.
Thanks dad for always being there for me and helping me through thick and thin, you are an awesome dad to me.
Happy Father’s day Pappa
Ruan’s Dad – Henk “Thanks dad for always being there for me and helping me through thick and thin, you are an awesome dad to me”.
Ruan’s Dad and Mom – Henk & Chantelle
Ruan’s Dad and Mom – Henk & Chantelle
Chloe – Swimmer
My dad is the coolest Dad you could ever wish for. He takes me for drives in the Beetle, when Mom is not around. We go out and buy the meat together, for our family braais. Then my dad allows me to ‘man’ the braai while he is busy cooking something else. He helps me to build all my school projects; and packs me the best lunches for school. That’s why I believe in super heroes, because my Dad can do anything!
Chloe’s Dad – Clyde “My dad is the coolest Dad you could ever wish for”.
Frank Heslop – Footballer
My Father is a great inspiration in my life. He is my coach and mentor. He never fails when it comes to giving advice. He knows how to get me back on track and has the exact words for every situation. Watching him is where I learn hard work and discipline are some of the best gifts you can give and teach. I love my father.
Happy Father’s Day.
From Frank
Frank’s dad – Simon Watching him is where I learn hard work and discipline”.
Jonathan Heslop – Swimmer
Thank you dad for always being there for me. Thank you for encouraging me when times get tough, helping me with school work and sports too. Thank you for loving and caring for me. You are the one who makes it all happen.
Happy Father’s Day!
Jonathan’s dad – Simon “Thank you for encouraging me when times get tough, helping me with school work and sports too”.
Cayde de Waal – Biathlete
My dad has helped me so much with my running. He has helped me prepare for the South African Biathle Championships. My dad has spent a lot of his time just on me. He tells me when he knows I can push harder. My dad is always there for me when I need him most. He would look at my times and tell me that I could’ve run faster because my dad knows I can, because he believes in me. My dad is proud of me whether I come first or last because he knows what I am capable of.
Thank you dad! You’re awesome!
Happy Father’s Day!
Cayde’s dad – Jared “My dad is proud of me whether I come first or last because he knows what I am capable of”.
Jessica Jenkinson – Athletics
I love my daddy because he is my hero. He never minds playing with me and we always take long walks together and then we just talk. My daddy is very patient with me and never gets cross with me. He reads me stories at night and I know he will always be there for me! I can always rely on him to be here for me no matter how busy he is.
Thank you Daddy for always protecting me and our family. We look up to you and depend so much on you. You are the best daddy in the whole wide world.
I love you with all my heart.
Jessica’s Dad – Mark “You are the best daddy in the whole wide world”.
Jessica’s Dad – Mark
Rachel Stevenson – Swimmer
My dad. My hero.
“My father gave me the greatest gift anyone could give another person. He believed in me.” – Jim Valvano
I love my daddy dearly. He is my number one fan. There is nothing I enjoy more than bonding with him. Recently we rode our mountain bikes up Mike’s Pass in The Drakensberg, and halfway to the top, he told me I could achieve anything I set my mind on. His belief in me never wavers, and he keeps me strong. I admire his perseverance and his amazing sense of humour that never fails to make me laugh. He is the one who teases me, yet protects me. I know that after a long day, when I arrive home, he is there waiting for me and is always interested in what workout I did. He has made me who I am today, and I am forever grateful for his non-stop support and big bear hugs.
Rachel’s Dad – Colin “His belief in me never wavers, and he keeps me strong”.
“My dad my Hero” – Rachel’s dad – Colin
Rene Warnes – Swimmer
My dad and I have a very good relationship – yes obviously there has been ups and downs – but that hasn’t really changed the relationship that my dad and I have. He has been a great father and has given me more than I could ever ask for – he would quite literally move the world to be able to provide me with whatever I might need at a particular point in time. Even though I maintain that I won’t raise my children in the same, super conservative, super strict manner, but I do see a lot of myself in my dad and so there is a very high probability of me raising my children in a similar fashion.
He has definitely been a great role model for me and together with my mom has raised me to be the woman that I am today!
With regards to my swimming, he has always supported me and always pushed me to be better and to achieve better! He does expect a lot out of me but that does help me to be better and to reach for higher things and achieve my goals.
He has and will probably be my number one supporter until the day that I decide to throw in the towel but he will then continue to support me in whatever my next journey may be.
Rene’s dad – Ian “He has definitely been a great role model for me and together with my mom has raised me to be the woman that I am today!”
Michael Andrew – Swimmer
My dad is the best dad and coach in the world. He loves me unconditionally, he knows me, and he is always working on making me the best I can be in everything that I do (physically and spiritually). My dad really believes in me. I pray that one day I can put into action everything he teaches me. My dad from day one has never left my side. From the beginning he has encouraged me, taught me, pushed me, and supported me in my sport and more importantly outside of the water. We’ve had our disagreements over time, but he has never given up on me and for that I am so grateful.
Love you dad and I thank God for you!!!
Michael’s Dad – Peter
Michael with dad in the beautiful Drakensberg
Michael and dad Peter “My dad really believes in me. I pray that one day I can put into action everything he teaches me”.
