For the first time, the Overberg region had the opportunity to honour its outstanding athletes in various sporting codes at a gala awards event held in Caledon on 14 November 2014.
The event was hosted by the Western Cape Department of Cultural Affairs and Sport (DCAS) in conjunction with the Theewaterskloof Municipality. DCAS Chief Director for Sport, Adv. Lyndon Bouah, Cllr Isaac Sileku, representing the Executive Mayor of the Overberg District Municipality and Chris Punt, Executive Mayor of Theewaterskloof Municipality, all addressed the audience.
Sportsman and Coach of the Year Ruehan van Romburgh, who has been a kickboxer since he was three years old, said he is proud of his achievements. “Winning means a lot to me, it promotes kickboxing and it puts the sport in a positive light,” he said.
Mignon van Zyl was the youngest winner on the night, walking away with the Junior Sportswoman of the Year award for her fantastic effort in karate. At the tender age of eight years, her dream is to practice the sport in Japan one day. Sixteen-year old Asmerelda Davids of Albert Myburgh Secondary School was Sportswoman of the Year. She hopes to attend a sports school after matric to specialise in women’s rugby.
During his welcome, Punt said how proud he was. “I am honoured to be able to stand here and say well done to the Overberg Sports Council and all the athletes here this evening. To our guests of honour, the young people, the world and country will offer you many great things – grab those opportunities!”
DCAS and its partners provide support to Western Cape athletes to excel in their chosen sports. The next Regional Sport Awards event will honour outstanding athletes from the Boland on 20 November. The final awards event in the current series will take place on Saturday 28 November when athletes from the Metro region (City of Cape Town) will be acknowledged.
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