Article by Randy Engelbrecht PRO – Federated Board of Homing Unions
Article Published 08 November 2009




Federated board of homing unions - Est. 1953

Amazing! Can you believe it, the 2009 pigeon racing season is over!

Sure, there are all the end-of-year trophy presentations and functions, but I’m sure that all of us are actually very glad this season had finally come to an end. It was a tough year, what with a slightly changed program and yes, an exceptional number of pigeon losses during the year.

Having had numerous conversations with a large number of fanciers throughout the year, it was the one topic that dominated. Everybody was at pains to try and ascertain just why we had this phenomena, particularly this year. Having said that, it was still a very successful season for a number of fanciers and it would only be appropriate to congratulate all those who have enjoyed the sweet taste of a few wins and even more so those who really achieved the ultimate of being either club, union or national champion of their respective bodies.

To all the fanciers in the Federated Board, I would definitely want to give a big thumps-up to those who have excelled in 2009 and would like to congratulate every single Board winner and in particular the fancier who is going to walk away with a brand new car at the presentation on the 28th November. It is probably the most cherished award of all within the Federated Board of Homing Unions and although there are talks of doing away with this prize because of the recession we find ourselves in, I hope that we can find another appropriate way of awarding such excellence within the sport.

Having been to every meeting and every Board ring-out this year, I have sensed a renewed spirit of camaraderie amongst Board members and I believe that an exciting 2010 awaits us, even with the World Cup just about to start in our country a week after our first race. Pigeon racing is not going to stand back for soccer as many fanciers are sure to want to improve on this year’s efforts, myself included.

So, come 28th November 2009 when we each go our separate way, lets spare a thought for all the wives and girlfriends who have had to sacrifice so much in support of their loved ones who were trying hard to have a good season and then maybe fell desperately short, hardly even scoring a few places in their clubs, but true to the spirit that prevails in the pigeon fancier, kept believing that the next race would bring the success. Wives, girlfriends, we salute you!

Finally, I would like to make an appeal to all fanciers in the Federated Board, please try your best to attend the awards evening and come and support those who will be presented with their well deserving trophies and accolades for the successes they had achieved during the year. See you there!