Article Posted18 April 2010

This seemingly time and money wasting pastime practiced by thousands around the globe can and is surely capable of cementing bonds of immense intensity, caring and love amongst those who were born with the passion for pigeon keeping. Man were born with that deep down need for taking care, be it of those he loves and adore or that which makes him feel complete and whole. Through the ages we’ll find those instances where the passion for one or the other activity has led to fulfillment and fullness of life. Such is the beauty and relationship enhancing power of the mutual love for pigeon keeping that I feel compelled to put pen to paper to share my thoughts of many years by being actively involved in this wonderful pastime.

So many issues and differences plague our daily lives, so much so that at times it seems nearly impossible to live together in peace and harmony as God intended. This we see in every aspect of our existence, even in this wonderful hobby of pigeon racing. Should we not use this beautiful sport to foster understanding, giving love and transferring peace to our fellow pigeon folk? By doing this would we not be wise and impact positively on everybody we come into contact with on our journey through life? The mind of the wise is of accumulating knowledge but the mind of the foolish is destruction. We read of the decline in fancier numbers all over the world and this is obvious in the organization to which I belong as well, be it due to the spiraling costs in keeping the sport going or because of time restraints. Surely now is the time to search for enlightenment and to be beneficiaries of God’s wisdom so that we can reach out to each other through the practice of our wonderful sport. The moment has dawned where we must forget all our pettiness and use our collective wisdom to give momentum to a sport that can do so much to help in building a sound and healthy society. Let it be our prayer as pigeon fanciers to understand and fulfill His dream for a better mankind.

As the start of the 2010 racing season is soon to be upon us it is my wish that all fanciers from every walk of life will enjoy each facet that this wonderful sport has to offer and that this season will be the start of new and fruitful beginnings.


C.J. Richter