Magnificent Olympic Friday at Cape Town Train Station

On 27 July 2012, a range of activities which formed part of the Magnificent Friday campaign took place at the Cape Town Train Station. The purpose of the event was to create awareness among early morning Metrorail commuters and the general public of the start of the 2012 Olympic Games in London later that day.

The public watched a magnificent well-disciplined marching display by the Tafelsig High School. Other schools that participated were Hillwood Primary School, Lavender Hill High School, Isiphiwu Primary School, Hyde Park Primary School, Fairmont High School and the Western Cape Sport School. Learners showed their talents in dancing, singing, gymnastics and music, skills that are actively being supported in schools through the Western Cape's MOD (mass participation, opportunity and development) programme. Further entertainment was provided by Camillo Lombard and his band from the Cape Music Institute.

Dr Ivan Meyer, Minister of Cultural Affairs and Sport, paid tribute to the MOD centre coordinators for their work. He described Cape Town as "a sports city", something that can clearly be seen in its excellent performance in a range of recent sporting events. The Olympic Games is one of the world's biggest sporting events and South Africa is proud of the athletes that were sent to represent the country.

The South African Sports Confederation and Olympic Committee (SASCOC) is hoping that the country's athletes will bring back 12 medals and Dr Meyer wished them well in their endeavours. South Africa is celebrating its 20th year back in international competition, and the minister referred to the silver medal that Elana Meyer brought home after the Olympic Games of 1992.

Western Cape Sports Council President Dave Roberts attended the event, as did noted South African athletes Sinethemba Bam (boxing champion), David Isaacs (body builder) and Lungile Tsolekile (hockey player).

The morning's outreach to the public created awareness and support for the athletes representing South Africa at the 2012 Olympic Games. Director of Sports Development Mr Paul Hendricks encouraged the audience to "walk tall, walk proud and walk South African", a sentiment many will carry in their hearts as they watch the games over the next few weeks.