Athletes celebrated at Cape Town Metro Sport Awards

On Wednesday, 25 July 2018, the Department of Cultural Affairs and Sport (DCAS), in partnership with the Cape Town Sport Council, hosted the Cape Town Metro Sport Awards at the University of the Western Cape (UWC).

Athletes from the region were acknowledged for their achievements over the past year. Mandla Gagayi, Director of Sport at UWC, welcomed the guests to the event. He emphasized the need for the university to partner with federations in order to support sport in the region: “UWC shaped the landscape of our country. We want to play a meaningful role in sport in the province and would like to offer more support to athletes through partnerships with federations.” he said.

Elton Davids, Chairperson of the Cape Town Sport Council, emphasized the important role that sport plays in helping people make better life choices. “Sports people choose to change lives and choose to be different. You must be aware of the amount of power you carry as a role-model to others.” he said.

Chief Director of Sport and Recreation, Dr. Lyndon Bouah, congratulated all the athletes present and emphasized the values that are lived out in sport. He also encouraged them to practice the Olympic values at all times and to continue to reach new heights. “Find out what your strength is and pursue that. Pursue excellence.” he said.

Winners were announced in various categories, with rugby player Damian Willemse crowned as Newcomer of the Year and the  Western Province Ladies Cricket Team winning Team of the Year. The evening ended with the announcement of Nolene Conrad from Western Province Athletics as Sportswoman of the Year, and swimmer Chad le Clos as Sportsman of the Year.

All the winners from the regional sport awards will be nominees for the Provincial Sport Awards which will take place on 25 August 2018.