WCG Mourns the loss of a pioneer for sport: Ben Saunders | Western Cape Government

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WCG Mourns the loss of a pioneer for sport: Ben Saunders

12 January 2022

The Western Cape Government is saddened by the loss of one of the early champions for sport in our province, Ben Saunders.

Ben competed in competitive cycling in the sixties and seventies, and was crowned the national sprint champion. He was the only cyclist in Worcester to compete at the A-Games in Pretoria in 1964. Ben was honoured as a Provincial Sport Legend in 2018 by the Department of Cultural Affairs in Sport in recognition of his contribution to the sporting landscape of our province.

Ben was also one of the founding members of the Young Hamiltons Rugby Football Club in Worcester and he supported the club as a life-long member. He never missed a local rugby match and he encouraged young players to pursue their rugby dreams.

Anroux Marais, Minister of Cultural Affairs and Sport, said: “Ben was a true example of a passionate sportsman who continued to give back to his community. While he competed in cycling during a time when he had to overcome a lot of obstacles, he also continued supporting the development and growth of young sporting talent in his community. I applaud his life-long commitment to sport in our province.”

Our condolences go out to Ben’s family, friends and sporting community. His legacy will live on in our province for many years to come.

 

Media Enquiries: 

Tania Colyn

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076 093 4913