Luke India Ramos, a 27-year-old athlete and coach with the Queens Majorettes, a tertiary-level team based in Belhar, is redefining what it means to pursue a dream.
The athlete’s story began as a spectator, captivated by the energy and precision of the sport. That admiration soon turned into involvement as Ramos transitioned into adjudicating.
By mid-2023, Ramos took a bold step into coaching, first mentoring a junior team before adding a senior team to the roster this year.
But Ramos’s most daring move came next: at the age of 27, Ramos decided to take to the field personally as an athlete.
Fast forward a few months, and Ramos found them competing for provincial colours, a prestigious achievement in the world of majorettes.
“I decided to trial for provincial colors – and I secured that bag,” Ramos shares, the excitement palpable. “This achievement allows me to represent our sport and region at the provincial level, which is an absolute honour.”
Trials
The trials, held on Saturday 29 November, and Sunday 1 December, were no walk in the park. Hosted at Groote Schuur Primary School in Rondebosch, the two-day event demanded both physical and mental endurance. “Each day, we had about six hours to learn a display with two to three different props and then perform it in front of the judges. It was intense!” Ramos recalls.
Adding to the pressure was the caliber of the competition. “I was up against some incredibly talented athletes, many with five to twelve years or more of experience in the sport – most of them still in high school,” Despite the odds, Ramos pushed through, determination carrying the athlete to the finish line. “The rewards of my hard work made it all worth it,” Ramos says proudly.
WP Colours
Ramos’s dedication paid off with the official title of Western Province Colours (WP Colours), a milestone that recognises excellence and allows Ramos to represent the region on a provincial level. But the success wasn’t just personal. “One of my athletes also got her colours. She’s part of my junior team, Ysterplaat Primary School Majorettes, and one of three from the team who tried out,” Ramos shares, beaming with pride for the protégés.
For Ramos, this journey isn’t just about personal glory. It’s about inspiring others, proving that passion and perseverance can lead to extraordinary achievements at any stage of life.
