17/06/2026
As SAAC2026 comes to a close, it is hard to put into words the scale of what went into this weekend. The PaleoPet Pure KUSA South African Agility Championships, brought to you by Oneplan, was not simply a three-day event. It takes months of planning, sponsor conversations, course logistics, schedules, problem-solving, and a whole lot of people quietly doing the work long before the first dog stepped onto the line. Also, so many spreadsheets.
To our fellow DOGSPC SC members: Alisia, Chantal, Colleen, Dene, and Noelene... what a team, and what an event. Thank you for the hard work, the decisions, the conversations, and the commitment it took to bring SAAC2026 to life.
To our sponsors, thank you for supporting this event so generously. An event of this size, complete with individual goodie bags, 60 round prizes, and overall prizes, is only possible because of the brands and businesses who choose to invest in our sport. Our entire agility community is incredibly grateful.
Wayne Arneil and Tam White, thank you for three days of world-class courses. They were action-packed, tough in all the right ways, thoroughly enjoyable, and a true test of skill, teamwork, and trust. You made an incredible judging team, and kept handlers, supporters, and viewers on the edge of their seats all weekend.
A very special mention must go to the on-the-day, on-your-feet, never-stop-moving team: Colleen Purdy, Dene Le Riche, and Leigh Dyson. From the early morning setup to the endless questions, calm problem-solving, ring flow, and being among the last to leave each day, you helped keep the weekend running beautifully.
Carlie, Niane, and Livy, thank you for packing, sorting, snapping, running, supporting, and stepping into the behind-the-scenes chaos wherever help was needed. Dogs really do bring together great people.
Behind every smooth round was a team making sure the rings kept moving, the courses were built, the timing worked, and the hard graft happened without fuss. Davey, Justice, Josiah, and Dumisane, your work made a huge difference.
The results side of an event like this is no small thing either. Helena, Susan, and Carol, thank you for the care and focus that went into keeping everything on track across a very busy weekend. Jenny, as show manager, a massive thanks.
To Lindsay Seller, Lindsay Dunsmore, Taryn Murphy, and Tam White, thank you for the fantastic commentary. You brought the runs to life for everyone watching, told the stories of the dogs and handlers, and added so much energy to the weekend.
And then there are the people who simply got stuck in: over 360 dog rounds, leash tossing, calling, carrying, sorting, moving, helping, and filling gaps wherever hands were needed. Lynda C, Lynda R, Nadine, Carlie, Ninke, Audrey, Nina, Rone, Denise, Dominique, Heidi, and Jess, thank you. You were such an important part of making the weekend feel organised and effortless.
Lastly, to our community. Thank you for showing up the way you did- cheering loudly, helping each other, supporting your teammates, celebrating the dogs, and bringing the most incredible gees to SAAC2026. The atmosphere around the ring this weekend was something really special.
SA Champs is about the runs, the results, and the titles, yes. But more than that, it is about the people, the dogs, and the community that make those moments possible. Thank you for being part of SAAC2026. What a weekend.
Lee-Anne Olfsen and Carolyn Chelchinskey
