Carlo Petersen
PROVINCIAL athletes were acknowledged at a special ceremony when the Department of Correctional Affairs and Sport yesterday honoured them for their achievements throughout the year.
The 50 athletes all achieved either gold, silver or bronze medals in their respective sporting codes on a national or international level at competitions between April last year and September this year.
Among invited guests were Paralympic athlete Fanie van der Merwe and Gizelle Magerman, who won gold inthe 400m hurdles at the Youth Olympics in China earlier this year.
Also in attendance was Gregory Gans, 18, from Saldanha Bay, who recently won a silver medal in the kick-boxing event at the World Junior Championships in Italy.
“I’m very proud of my achievement and I would like to encourage other young people to get involved in sport.
“It’s a great way to stay out of trouble and find direction in life,” he said.
Cultural Affairs and Sport MEC Nomafrench Mbombo said: “The Department of Cultural Affairs and Sport continues to support sport federations to ensure development of our athletes.
“This ensures that our athletes receive proper support and training to deliver their best performances and to prove that the Western Cape is one of the best when it comes to competing in sport.”
Mbombo said many athletes had to overcome obstacles to achieve their “sporting dreams”.
“We want to continue to make the journey as easy as possible for them.
“People often don’t see the amount of energy and time that athletes dedicate to achieving.
“I would like to congratulate the athletes for their achievements this year.
“The Western Cape Government is very proud of you and we thank you for the contribution that you are making to sport in our country,” she said.