By CJ Richter

Where to from here for me the ordinary pigeon fancier? I care for my birds in the most appropriate and loving way under the sun, the mechanism for racing my wonderful athletes are provided by my local pigeon organization which is affiliated to a national governing body, but still something’s amiss. What can it be? I read every pigeon article there is, surf the internet for information on this all encompassing and exciting pastime of ours----everywhere and I mean everywhere, from as far a field as China, to our local international attraction the “Million Dollar Sun City Race”, fanciers dish out vast amounts of cash to be part of what some people profess will ultimately be the only form of pigeon racing. But even in this format of racing we find dissatisfaction and frustrations, just go back in recent history at Pilansberg and you’ll understand the enormity of what is lacking.

Again I ask myself where to from here---All of us involved with pigeons have one common denominator and that is the deep seated love for this wonderful feathered creation which bestows upon us endless hours of joy and fulfillment. Out of this love and interaction between man and bird is born our desire for competition and thus the elation of winning or achieving. All these wonderful gifts are provided by being part of and playing a role in pigeon keeping, but still I can’t explain or understand of what this void is all about.

Throughout the history of pigeon racing we find that rare pearls of where true friendships and lifelong relationships were formed, if you are aware of such precious moments please---please treasure and take it to heart as it will surely help to mould you into what this pure and gracious hobby is capable of, a person of integrity and passion for life. No matter where you come from, what or who you are or what your status in life is, if pigeons are your passion then you belong to a breed of folk that have the infinite capabilities of building bridges across borders of devide that for ages has kept people apart. If we as fancy can succeed in this, then surely I don’t have to ask, where to from here.

How’s it possible that the playing field for everything in our country has been levelled through the sacrifices of others and still we sit where we are. Ignorant of the fact that right in our hands God has placed a tool and provided us with means to promote across all diversity the message of goodwill and friendship. The financial side of our beloved sport aside, so much can be achieved if we as true pigeon fanciers will just only take one step back, use our God given talents and use our imagination to further and enhance our magnificent sport.

Will you go into your loft today and in that peaceful surround think about your sport and realize that pigeon racing is a sport for Kings, as well as the humblest people on this earth, going about their daily chores in putting food on their tables and keeping families together. Remember that old song ”No Man is an Island”---- Except the fact that we need each other, even in this wonderful sport of pigeon racing.

CJ Richter