If anything is to go by, this year’s recipients would not only be awarded certificates or trophies but ‘moolaa’ which goes to show the kind of impact these awards has to athletes and the people of Gauteng Province.
Now entering its third edition, the awards ceremony take place on June 29 at Emperors Palace.
Albeit, the actual figures were not punted, this would encourage more sporting federations and athletes to submit their nominations, particularly codes which are not in the top five brackets. Get moving…
Delivering his key speech the MEC for Sport in Gauteng Lebogang Maile, also mentioned that ‘Fan of the Year Award’ category has been added to take the categories tally to 15.
According to MEC, after fruitful deliberations with other stakeholders and Adjudicating Panel they decided to feature the award as part of their contribution to sport development in the province and the country.
“Their immense contribution has gone unnoticed hence this category, “he says.
“We know our winners’ appreciate the recognition we give them but as from now onwards, we’re going to also hand-out cash to conscientious them further. Although our job is to recognize sport development as Home of Champions in the Province, we should also be mindful that the same athlete need to survive considering what is happening in sport lately. ”
“Therefore, promoting and developing sport should and always be our priority,” he continued.
Talk of promoting the importance and value of sport, Hezekiel Sepeng also added that sport should be considered a national priority not an individual thing.
Sepeng also poured his heart-out when he said athletics in this country are at their peak but were de-motivated by the politics which has beset Athletic South Africa.
He’s the Co-coordinator for Elite Sport at the disgruntled organization which is now under administration.
Asked what he made of the awards, and whether they do justice to sport development in the province, the outspoken Sepeng said they did.
“Despite our unbearable situation at ASA, we acknowledge that the awards seek to recognize the hard work athletes put into, and secondly, this would help them grow better and of course be in better position to compete internationally.
If only other provinces would follow the same route we could have smart and competent athletes for 2016 Olypmics,” he said gesticulating.
In his parting shot, the celebrated athlete said “our athletes are struggling”.
Ok, back to the awards…
To conscientious the public on the awards, various leading sport personalities have been identified as Ambassadors.
Herewith categories:
Sportsman of the Year
Sportswoman of the Year
Sport Team of the Year
Disabled Sportswoman of the Year
Disabled Sportsman of the Year
Disabled Sports Team of the Year
Most promising athlete of the Year
Most promising team of the Year
Coach of the Year
Technical Official of Year
Administrator of the Year
Sport Fan of the Year
Sport Journalist of the Year (This includes print, radio, and television media)
Lifetime Achievement Award, and
Sport Personality of the Year.
The nominations open from today April 25 and closes on May 17. The Sport Personality category will be voted for by the public through sms number to be provided at later stage.
For verification by adjudicators takes place from May 23 to 31 and nominees party will take place at Emperors Palace on June 29.
For nomination enquiries and submissions go to:
38 Rissik Street, NBS Building, Johannesburg Tel: (011) 355 2602/2543 or
fax: 0862729155 or email: SportAwards@gauteng.gov.za
