African Sport Stars Honoured in Cape Town | Western Cape Government

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African Sport Stars Honoured in Cape Town

26 May 2014

The Western Cape Department of Cultural Affairs and Sport (DCAS) recognised outstanding sportspeople at the Africa Day Sport Star Recognition Awards ceremony in Cape Town on 23 May 2014.

Outgoing Minister of Cultural Affairs and Sport Dr Ivan Meyer handed over certificates of excellence to leading athletes from various sporting codes who have excelled on the African continent and on the international stage over the past three years.

Chess grandmaster-elect Kenny Solomon, Madagascar karate champion Hilalane Varara and under-15 world sailing champion Georgio Divaris were honoured on the day. The youngest sport stars to be recognised were under-10 African Chess Champion Seth-Riley Adams and under-8 African Chess Champion Natasha Joubert.

Dr Meyer said the people of Africa are its real asset and that sport tourism to the continent is increasing. “People must know that there are African champions in South Africa. They make us proud,” he said. Divaris, who won a gold medal at the 2013 World Under-15 Sailing Championships in England, said it was an honour for him to be recognised for his sporting achievements. “This award makes me even more proud to be an African.”

Africa Day Celebrations conclude on Monday, 26 May with a WESGRO (Western Cape Government and Western Cape Destination Marketing, Investment and Trade Promotion Agency) seminar entitled Doing Business in Africa. Representatives from a variety of countries on the continent will be discussing future areas of collaboration.

Supporting greater inclusivity through sports and culture is one of the many ways that DCAS demonstrates that we can celebrate sport excellence on our continent.

Media Enquiries: 

Daniel Johnson
Spokesperson for Minister Meyer
Tel: 021 483 3261
Cell: 079 990 4231
E-mail: daniel.johnson@westerncape.gov.za