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Werner Stoltz was a semi-professional rugby player who’s life was dramatically changed when he was told, that due to an injury, he could no longer follow his chosen career.

To meet Werner Stoltz is to feel the whisper of the fresh sea breeze, or is it the proximity of the Holy spirit? He describes how he left home in South Africa at 18 on winning a contract to play rugby for a the Greystones RFC rugby club in Eire. He looks back on those years when he lived an egocentric life as a reformed man looking back on the life of a sinner, he was young, privileged, and living the life of Reilly. His life started to change when a good friend of his was killed in a car crash back in South Africa, he had gone home and spent some time hanging out with his old friends who were now in university.

One Sunday they were all going off to church on the university campus and invited Werner to come along, he felt a bit guilty as he had not exactly been much of a churchgoer during his time away but went along in the end.

Outside the church there was a man lying in the path, his clothes were dirty and torn, he was apparently asleep, or had passed out, there was an empty wine bottle in his hand, it was not so strange on the university campus, everyone looked at him but passed by, filing into the church without stopping to see if he was OK. They sang the first hymn, then the preacher came out, wearing the same clothes as the drunk they had seen outside, it had been him lying there in a distressing disguise! Not one of the parishoners had gone over to him.

He started to preach about judging others without once alluding to his stunt. Everyone in the congregation knew they were guilty of judging someone that day.

This opened Werner’s eyes to the poverty around him, he asked his friends about the young black kids that were everywhere, begging for money. “How long has it been like this?” he asked, “Well, forever, man, its always been this way.” And then he realised he had just been too blind to see it before.

He gave the kids begging at one particular crossroads all his money every time he passed that way until it ran out.

Next he took spare blankets and stuff from his mother’s house, he went in the car to them and said he’d give them a lift home with the stuff, they all climbed into the back of the car and directed him to the local graveyard, they lived in the graveyard! They would hide in twos in the open graves where they slept huddled together for warmth, those were the lucky ones, others lived in the open fields beyond there. He began to understand a bit more about their lives. Most of them had been infected with Aids, and had already lost their parents to the disease.

Two weeks after his return to Ireland he picked up an injury on the field, he was kneed in the side of his head, and left with a concussion, but he played on, then he was shoved in the back and suffered whiplash. They took him off the field then. he was told to take three weeks off training. During those three weeks it was clear there was something seriously wrong, he suffering nausea just going on the bus. After many visits to his MD and finally an MRI scan he was told his injuries would prevent him from returning to professional rugby. Or indeed any kind of sports. In desperation, he asked, “Then what can I do, I am a sportsman, its my life!” He was told, “Well maybe water sports.” Later, while sitting with his mates in a bar in Ireland, drowning his depression with a few bevvies, something came on the TV news about somebody doing something in a kayak, Werner was inspired, ‘That’s what I’ll do, he announced to his friends, “I’ll kayak round Ireland, solo” “Are you crazy?” they asked! “I’m gonna kayak round Ireland to raise money for the kids infected with Aids in South Africa”. And that is what he did.

With very little preparation he braved the rough seas round the Irish coast in a kayak. Through sponsorship Werner raised money to fund a shelter for 25 children who now get 3 meals a day and they got them and a bus and petrol money so they can go to school. Werner mpw wants to open a new shelter for 100 children. He is raising money for this through sponsorship of his trip from London to Durban. He has already rowed his kayak from London to Gibraltar, paddling through the day, sleeping wherever he lands at night.

His dream is to raise £150,000 to open an AIDS shelter called “the Nineveh Project” in South Africa.

Werner says: “ I know I’ll make it! I’m doing this for God and his children... I’m not afraid to go, actually I can’t wait to see Him! I’m so certain that the Lord will protect me and keep me safe! I have Philippians 4:13 on the side of my kayak and I live by that. If you can believe that with all your heart and soul,there are no limits to what you can achieve. I not only want to help the sick, more importantly, I also want to win people for the Lord. God has called me to do something and calling the trip “Ninevah” (from the book of Jonah) will ensure that I always remember not to turn away from what God wants me to do, and this is what I want to teach the children. All this would be impossible to do if I didn’t believe in God.”

Werner is still in Gibraltar and will be heading out shortly as the weather has impeded further progress:
"The wind kept us up all weekend checking on the fenders and lines. At times it gust up to 50mph and caused a bit of a problem to the boats in the marina. It's becoming clear to me that the next 3 months could be quite unpleasant on the water.

It seems an average day has an easterly wind blowing, which means it?s on the nose, and very short seas. Most days getting up to 3- 5 m swell. So my progress will be slow and frustrating once I get going.

On the visa front all is going well and I am only waiting for my Libyan and Egyptian visa?s.
The season is slowing all these things down and it now seems I will spend Christmas in Gib and head over to Africa a second time in the new year."

You can help Werner and Kayak 4 Aids, by making an online donation, at: www.k4a.co.za

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Michael said he was overwhelmed by his reception Arrival in Antigua

A 14-year-old boy has arrived in Antigua to become the youngest person to sail the Atlantic single-handed.

Michael Perham, from Potters Bar, Hertfordshire, ended his 3,500-mile voyage when he sailed into Nelson's Dockyard at 1400 GMT.

Michael takes the record from Isle of Wight teenager Seb Clover, who was 15 when he made the crossing in 2003.

Deputy Prime Minister John Prescott called Michael a "successful sailor in the great British maritime tradition".

The teenager, who has spent six weeks at sea, was escorted into dock by a flotilla of boats.

'Huge accomplishment'

On reaching the shore, where he was met by a steel band, Michael said he had been overwhelmed by the reception he had received.

"It feels absolutely fantastic being back on dry land, absolutely brilliant," he told BBC News.

Michael's yacht, Cheeky Monkey, was shadowed by his father, Peter, a quantity surveyor, who was also in radio contact.

Michael Perham has been sailing since he was six

Mother Heather Perham said her son had been inspired by Seb Clover's record in 2003.

"He's a very adventurous lad. When he heard about the trip that Seb and his father had done... it challenged him."

Speaking to her son via video-link for the first time since reaching shore, Mrs Perham congratulated him on his achievement.

"Congratulations Michael from everyone here in the family," she said.

"We are very proud of you. It's a huge accomplishment for yourself and to set an example for other young people to have adventures and live life to the full."

Stuart Phillips, head teacher at Chancellors Secondary School, which Michael attends, said: "It is an amazing achievement and goes to show what young people can achieve."

Mr Phillips said Michael, who began sailing at the age of six, was in his first year of GCSEs and had been given a revision programme to support him.

He said: "What he has achieved is an education in itself and when people achieve success in something like this it translates into success in other areas."

Former merchant seaman Mr Prescott said: "Michael has proved himself another hugely successful sailor in the great British maritime tradition.

"I have no doubt that the whole country will join me in sending congratulations on this remarkable achievement by such a young man."

Gibraltar would like to congratulate Michael on his wonderful achievment. We are proud that he chose Gibraltar as his starting point and hope that in some way we were able to provide him with some of the support he needed to accomplish such a fantastic feat.

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This last festive competition always marks the end of the 1st part of the GDA season and the start of the Xmas break.

Turkeys all around for the winners & Oh Boy what Turkeys.

No expenses spared for the hungry bunch that attended this year’s festive Xmas event.

This competition traditionally played in a blind pairs format (pair selection drawn at random; so its luck of the draw) makes it both interesting and anybody’s game, which bides well with the cheerful nature of the event.

Amongst several strong pairs drawn out where youth Nigel Segui & Dylan Duo - finalists, youth Christopher Remorino & Justin Broton –semis and an impressive Nicholas Cumbo & Justin Stagno – semis.

A very healthy participation despite of Christmas parties and work do’s, so it was a result for the GDA.

This competition started in the late 1980’s during a UK outing of darts practice when at the World Championships the Gibraltar selection strolled into a local pub in London (Earls Court) and played a Turkey Shoot competition. The tournament was brought over by local player, Horacio Bossano, and has been established here ever since.

Congratulations to the winners on the night Henry Zapata & Johnny Remorino (above left).

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Gibraltar's national squad recently played host to Great Britain's U21 team and were narrowly beaten 3-2. It has been said that the Gibraltar sqaud pretty much had the upper hand throughout the match.

The result is a magnificant one for a country the size of Gibraltar, despite there only being three division one teams. Gibraltar does however have a number of players that play at a very high standard with a few playing for Club Hockey Benalmadena and a couple playing for first divsion clubs in England.

Gibraltar Will shortly be paying host to Great Britain's senior men's team, who will certainly provide our local players with a tough encounter.

We would like to encourage as many people to come and fill the great hockey stands that have recently been finished at the Victoria Stadium sports centre.

The artificial surface is a water based pitch and ranks as one of the best hocky pitches in Southern Spain and further afield. The continued use of Gibraltar by Great Britan and the Home Nations, for warm weather training is proof of the high standard of Gibraltar's hockey facilities.

Meanwhile:
The England U16 Boys and Girls training camps will be held in Gibraltar and Portugal respectively from 2-6 January 2007 and the U18 Boys and Girls training days will be held on Sunday 7 January at Loughborough University and Highfields Sports Centre.

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A League, sponsored by Norwich Union ----------------- winners Wigs
B League, sponsored by Sharrock Shand ----------------- winners Shandies
C League, sponsored by Interbuild ------------------------- winners Split Happens
D League, sponsored by Coldaire -------------------------- winners Pipework

The Uni-Flo Cup & Plate competition, sponsored by Uni-Flo Services Ltd,

Winners of cup
Lightning strikes beat Bowlten Wanderers & have won it for the 3rd consecutive year.
Winners of plate Ibex Raiders (sponsored by Ibex Ins.) beat Aquagib.

In the National Championships, Graham Coles won the men’s title, beating Kevin Stimson & Ian wood into 2nd & 3rd places. It’s the 3rd consecutive year he has won the title. Graham has now joined the committee & is hoping to pass on his skills by helping out with the youth programme. In the women’s section, Helen McGunnigle, a 2nd time winner, beat Charly Clark & Tracy Gathercole to 2nd & 3rd place.

This year we have also been very fortunate to have sent bowlers to a number of international events. The first two tournaments were run by the European Tenpin Bowling Federation.
In February, The Mediterranean Cup, held in San Marino, we sent 2 men & 2 women. This tournament is organized for all countries that border the Med. As it turned out, Spain pulled out at the last minute, the reason for which became clear in the next tournament we attended. During the tournament, our bowlers did very well in what turned out to be a very friendly competition & while we didn’t win trophies for the bowling, Kimberly Turnbull received the friendship award. We made great contacts with members of the ETBF committee, who were all very interested in our ambitions for bowling on the Rock.

In May, at the European Gold Cup, held in Foetz, Luxembourg, it all became clear why Spain pulled out of the Med Cup and now the Gold Cup. A letter to the organizers, from Spain’s Bowling Federation, explained that their Government had forbid them to participate in any tournament in which Gibraltar participated. After a few letters explaining our position on this, then a meeting just prior to the event, with Addie Ophelder, the ETBF President & the managers of the other participating countries we received the backing of everyone present. All agreed that it was Spain’s problem to resolve.

Again, the tournament went very well with Kevin Stimson & Kimberly Turnbull bowling extremely well, Kimberly coming 10th overall & just missing out on the finals by 20 pins after playing her 24 games. Again though, on presentation night she won the Sportswoman award.

In July, the Commonwealth Tenpin Bowling Federation Championships, in Melbourne, Australia. This event could well be included in conjunction with the Commonwealth games proper, with all the Commonwealth sporting federations, supporting the cause.
Ian Armsby, Julie Jackson, Helen McGunnigle & C. De La Rosa represented Gibraltar.

At the end of July, we sent 2 youths to the World youth championships in Berlin, Michael Wood & 13 year old Jeremy Cruz. This was Jeremy’s first international tournament & after a nervous start, he got used to the atmosphere & as the week went on, he increased on his personal best score several times ending up with a now personal best of 202. They have both learned much from the experience & this they can pass on during the youth coaching sessions. Our thanks go to the instructors & especially Niamh Whelan, for all her hard work in organizing the sessions.

In September, we had a surprise offer from a sponsor (who wishes to remain anonymous) to send 2 men to the Men’s World Championships in Korea.

Held every 2 years by the WTBA, this is the title everyone wants to hold. 247 bowlers from all over the world took part. Unfortunately, our two bowlers could not get to grip with the lane conditions, but despite coming at the bottom of a star studded field, learned much from many of the professionals taking part.

Last but by no means least, the 42nd Qubica AMF World Cup, held in Caracas, Venezuela.
Graham Coles represented Gibraltar in the men’s comp with Julie Jackson in the women’s.
Both started off with some pretty good scores. At the end of their 24 games, Graham did amazing to finish in 65th spot out of 88. Julie finishing 68th, out of the 75 women.

In all the tournaments we have attended, close ties have been made with many other federations who are now in regular contact with us. Everyone has shown great interest in the possibility of a tournament being hosted by Gibraltar, which, with the likely opening of the new leisure centre in September 2007, could soon become a reality.

The main boost for Gibraltar is the fact that the European & the World Tenpin Bowling Federations have backed Gibraltar’s right to attend international events under our own flag. An ETBF tournament, The European Champions Cup, due to be hosted by Spain in Sept 2007, has now been taken away from them due to there insistence, that Gibraltar cannot take part. The tournament will now take place in Foetz, Luxembourg. If only other World & European governing bodies, would give the same support to other sporting associations on the Rock.

Throughout 2006, we have had fantastic support, without which, we could not have taken part in these tournaments. The members & committee of the GTBA would like to thank:- Land Property Services, Valmar Pharmacy, Latinos, Lord Nelson, Norwich & Peterborough, Marrache & Co, Fastafood, H&S Property, Copywright, Ladbrokes & BFA.

And last but not least, Joe Hernandez and all his staff at the Gibraltar Sports Development Unit, without whom we would not be where we are today. Thank you all, we hope everyone has a happy, healthy & prosperous New Year.

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Happy New Year to all! Enclosed are the results and league tables for all matches
played in round 1 prior to the Christmas Break.

There are some matches that had to be cancelled due to unforseen circumstances but these will be played before we start round 2. Fixtures for these matches will follow during the
course of the week.

For further information about netball in Gibraltar please contact ivanaschembri@hotmail.com

St Anne's	06.11.06	07.00	Netgear	7	-v-	Pink Panther	21
St Anne's	06.11.06	08.15	Redwood	10	-v-	Sundial	32
St Anne's	06.11.06	09.30	Barclays Gs	15	-v-	Party Poker	0
Vic Stadium	08.11.06	08.00	Lincoln Bs	11	-v-	Marble Arc G	30
Vic Stadium	08.11.06	09.15	Crown Phar	20	-v-	Team Vibe	14
Tercen Hall	09.11.06	07.00	Bullock	27	-v-	Elite Travel	16
Tercen Hall	09.11.06	08.15	Alameda K	18	-v-	Portman	18
Tercen Hall	09.11.06	09.30	Baker Tilley	19	-v-	Capurro	18
St Anne's	13.11.06	07.00	Lincoln Bs	7	-v-	Pink Panther	16
St Anne's	13.11.06	08.15	Popay	28	-v-	Redwood Gs	9
St Anne's	13.11.06	09.30	Party Poker	7	-v-	Probike	19
Vic Stadium	15.11.06	08.00	Quest	9	-v-	Sundial	19
Vic Stadium	15.11.06	09.15	Barclays Gs	19	-v-	Marble Arc G	19
Tercen Hall	16.11.06	07.00	Capurro	28	-v-	Team Vibe	27
Tercen Hall	16.11.06	08.15	Portman	41	-v-	Redwood Gs	6
Tercen Hall	16.11.06	09.30	Baker Tilly	14	-v-	Elite Travel	17
St Anne's	20.11.06	07.00	Portman	24	-v-	Sundial	21
St Anne's	20.11.06	08.15	Marble Arc	29	-v-	Party Poker	16
St Anne's	20.11.06	09.30	Netgear	3	-v-	Probike	23
Vic Stadium	22.11.06	08.00	Barclays Gs	20	-v-	Pink Panther	22
Vic Stadium	22.11.06	09.15	Alameda K	24	-v-	Redwood Gs	4
Tercen Hall	23.11.06	07.00	Bullock	46	-v-	Crown Phar	9
Tercen Hall	23.11.06	08.15	Baker Tilly	19	-v-	Team Vibe	10
Tercen Hall	23.11.06	09.30	Popay		-v-	Quest
St Anne's	27.11.06	07.00	Marble Arc	16	-v-	Pink Panther	15
St Anne's	27.11.06	08.15	Lincoln Bs	15	-v-	Probike	11
St Anne's	27.11.06	09.30	Popay	33	-v-	Portman	32
Vic Stadium	29.11.06	08.00	Netgear	6	-v-	Party Poker	17
Vic Stadium	29.11.06	09.15	Crown Phar	20	-v-	Elite Travel	25
Tercen Hall	30.11.06	07.00	Bullock	34	-v-	Capurro	8
Tercen Hall	30.11.06	08.15	Alameda K	15	-v-	Sundial	24
Tercen Hall	30.11.03	09.30	Quest	20	-v-	Redwood Gs	8
St Anne's	04.12.06	07.00	Marble Arc	17	-v-	Probike	8
St Anne's	04.12.06	08.15	Lincoln Bs	9	-v-	Party Poker	13
St Anne's	04.12.06	09.30	Popay	25	-v-	Sundial	21
Vic Stadium	06.12.06	08.00	Barclays Gs	15	-v-	Netgear	0
Vic Stadium	06.12.06	09.15	Capurro		-v-	Elite Travel
Tercen Hall	07.12.06	07.00	Baker Tilly		-v-	Crown Phar
Tercen Hall	07.12.06	08.15	Alameda K	9	-v-	Quest	6
Tercen Hall	07.12.06	09.30	Bullock	15	-v-	Team Vibe	0

St Anne's	11.12.06	07.00	Lincoln Babes		-v-	Netgear*
St Anne's	11.12.06	08.15	Party Poker		-v-	Pink Panthers*
St Anne's	11.12.06	09.30	Barclays Girls		-v-	Probike*

* Matches Cancelled School In Service

League Tables Gibraltar Netball Association

1st Division	P	W	L	D	GF	GA	Pts
Bullock	5	5	0	0	148	50	15
Elite Travel	4	3	1	0	89	75	10
Baker Tilly	4	2	2	0	69	71	8
Crown Pharmacy	4	2	2	0	73	99	7
Capurro	4	1	3	0	68	85	5
Team Vibe	5	0	5	0	65	113	3
2nd Division	P	W	L	D	GF	GA	Pts
Portman	5	3	1	1	141	86	12
Popay Proc Ltd	4	4	0	0	102	75	12
Sundial	5	3	2	0	117	83	11
Alameda Kiosk	5	2	2	1	79	68	10
Quest	4	1	3	0	43	62	4
Redwood Girls	5	0	5	0	37	145	0
3rd Division	P	W	L	D	GF	GA	Pts
Marble Arc G	6	5	0	1	129	72	17
Barclays Girls	5	2	2	1	84	63	10
Pink Panthers	5	3	2	0	74	65	10
Probike	5	3	2	0	76	42	10
Lincoln Babes	5	2	3	0	64	85	7
Party Poker Ps	5	2	3	0	53	78	7
Netgear	5	0	5	0	19	94	0

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