2012 Sport Legends Honoured for their Achievements

Sport legends from all over the Western Cape gathered on 14 December 2012 to be acknowledged for their impact on the sporting world. They were treated to a ceremony in the spectacular setting of the Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens.

The annual Sport Legends Awards were conceived in 2005 by the Department of Cultural Affairs and Sport (DCAS). This year, the 8th Sport Legends Awards honoured 38 Legends and each one received a scroll and cap from the Minister of Cultural Affairs and Sport, Dr Ivan Meyer.

The Minister, who is a keen cyclist and chess player, expressed his gratitude at being part of this event. He told the Legends that the ceremony’s aim is to help people to understand the context of sport; it emphasises the past and present events that will shape the future.

“We would like to honour those who worked tirelessly to establish school sport and the codes of fencing and tug of war”, Dr Meyer said. Awards were given to legendary figures in tug of war, fencing, School Sport, the National Sport Council (NSC) and the South African Council on Sport (SACOS). These people put their country first and their achievements were awe-inspiring.

Doreen Jacobs, from the South West District SACOS, was heartily embraced by Dr Meyer upon receiving her scroll and cap. An astonishing 92 years old, she is the oldest Legend named for 2012.

Through honouring the sporting legends of the past, we can make a better future for sport, “better together”.

Please find the profiles of the 2012 Legends.