On Thursday, 3 August 2017, the Department of Cultural Affairs and Sport (DCAS), in partnership with the Cape Winelands Sport Council and the Cape Winelands District Municipality, presented the Cape Winelands regional Sport Awards.
These awards honoured the achievements of athletes and administrators in the region over the past year. Gert Combrink, Deputy Mayor for the Drakenstein Municipality, welcomed the guests and emphasized the role that sport plays in nation building and social cohesion. “Our ultimate goal is to create a united community for all.” he said.
Dr. H von Schlict, the Executive Mayor of Cape Winelands District Municipality, congratulated all the nominees and said that the awards ceremony was the culmination of months and years of hard work. “Sport achievements are the result of hard work, commitment, sacrifices and emotional support and we thanks everyone who plays a role in supporting our athletes to achieve their best.” she said.
In his keynote address, Dr. Lyndon Bouah, DCAS Chief Director of Sport and Recreation, thanked the sport council and municipality for working with the department to support athletes in the region. He encouraged the athletes to continue working hard and to aim for success at the South African Sport Awards. “We will continue to support the region with funding and other support to ensure that your athletes can continue their success.” he said.
The evening ended with the announcement of Sportswoman of the Year (Zelda Olivier) and Sportsman of the Year (Ricardo Alexander). The winners from the regional awards will now be nominated for the Provincial Sport Awards, which will take place on 16 September 2017.