It was with much anticipation and great excitement that the Annual Championships of the South African Fancy Pigeon Association finally kicked off on 3 July 2007.

After meeting with Mr. Fadiel Hendricks, the President of SAFPA – Western Cape, prior to the show, we wanted the opportunity to attend. Not only were we impressed with the passion he has for his sport, but were also in awe of the extent that he went to, to make this a memorable occasion. He invited six international judges to adjudicate at this show. To get one international judge was a milestone, but to attract six must tell you something of the man. Needless to say we accepted his offer to be one of the sponsors at the show and to be given the opportunity to be the sole exhibitor at the venue.

The venue was Kleinplasie Worcester and yes, it was freezing cold! But the cold could not dampen the excitement as members from all over the country were penning their birds. Representatives from Medpet flew into Cape Town from Johannesburg on the morning and took the scenic route to Worcester to set up the stand.

Wednesday, 4 July 2007, was the start of the official judging. The six international judges had their hands full and the competition was fierce but in good spirits. The judges were John Eppener, Peter Voskamp, Willy Ricort, John Nelson, John Graves, Roger Guillemot and all our local Judges.

The Judges at the Annual Championships of the South African Fancy Pigeon Association.

Judging was of a very high standard and the feedback from the international judges was very informative. At the Medpet stand there was a buzz as many fanciers came to introduce themselves, thanking us for taking an interest in their passion. Products were sold, advice given and general pigeon talk was the order of the day. The day was concluded with a lamb braai in the evening.

Thursday and Friday, we once again had the opportunity to showcase our great products, but by then we had a better understanding of the Fancy Pigeon Fancier and as with our Racing Pigeon friends, we started to not only build relationships but formed friendships as well. The Prize Giving on the Friday evening was the climax to the show and Medpet was proud to present sponsorships to the top ten fanciers and also some prizes to the juniors (see the pictures of the top birds at the end of this article).

 Medpet would like to thank the Executive Committee of the Western Cape and all the members of SAFPA for making us part of your family. We want to congratulate you on a fantastic show.  WELL DONE!

	English Long Face Tumbler – 2nd Reserve
	Blondinette – 1st Reserve
	Schiette Modena – Champion
	Old German Owl – 5th Reserve
	English Trumpeter – 4th Reserve
	Gros Mondain – 3rd Reserve
	German Beauty Homer –6th Reserve

* Medpet would like to thank Mr. Fadiel Hendricks and Mr. Yassim Khan for their input in this article.