Lifetime Achievers Acknowledged at 10th Annual Sport Legends Awards | Western Cape Government

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Lifetime Achievers Acknowledged at 10th Annual Sport Legends Awards

12 December 2014

The Western Cape Department of Cultural Affairs and Sport (DCAS) honoured sportsmen and -women at the 10th Annual Sport Legends Awards ceremony in Paarl on Thursday, 11 December 2014.

Each year DCAS honours “sport legends” – people who played a significant role in the promotion, growth, development and transformation of their sport codes. These contributions were often made under difficult circumstances with minimal resources, little institutional support and at great personal sacrifice to the sportspeople and their families. Sport Legend awards go to people who are regarded as icons in their communities.

DCAS Head of Department Brent Walters said that sportspeople honoured on the day should be commended for their sacrifices and their personal contribution to the transformation of sport. “Sport provides a link to unify people,” he said.

Over the past 10 years, 350 sportspeople have been recognised as sport legends. This year, the focus fell on athletics, baseball, boxing, chess, cricket, deep sea/ ski boat angling, golf, gymnastics, judo, kickboxing, lawn bowls, masters’ athletics, masters’ swimming, netball, rugby, soccer, softball, table tennis, tennis and wrestling.

Minister of Cultural Affairs and Sport Dr Nomafrench Mbombo said that it was a privilege to honour sports legends who have played such vital roles in ensuring our children have a rich heritage to celebrate. “We have to acknowledge our local heroes,” she said.

DCAS continues to use sport as the catalyst to bring people from all walks of life together. As we unify the nation, we can work better together and leave a legacy for generations to come.

Learn more about our sport heroes.

Media Enquiries: 

Annerie Pruis-Le Roux
Acting Head of Communication Service
Department of Cultural Affairs and Sport
Tel: 021 483 9730
E-mail: annerie.pruis-leroux@westerncape.gov.za