All that’s gold glitters at Sport Awards

Johannesburg - It was a night of glitz and razzmatazz as the who’s who of the South African sport and social scene descended on the Sandton Convention Centre on Sunday night for the South African Sport Awards.

Speaking at the event, Minister of Sport and Recreation, Fikile Mbalula, said his message had been consistently that he wanted to see winners.

“I have never made an excuse for mediocrity. I will never shy away from pulling an extravaganza to celebrate those who emulate the winning spirit of South Africa. And today we have pulled out all the stops to do just that.”

Portia Modise walked away with the main prize of SA Sports Star of the Year, as voted by the public, while Chad le Clos and Ashleigh Moolman Pasio were crowned Sportsman of the Year and Sportswoman of the Year, respectively.

Paracyclist Ernst van Dyk was named Sportsman of the Year with a Disability, while the Sportswoman of the Year with a Disability went to Justine Asher.

The awards were not just about those who win gold, but also those who display a heart of gold were duly honoured. Volunteer of the Year went to Sandile Mqadi and the Recreational Body of the Year category went to Sport for Social Change Network.

A lot has been said about the adjudication of the awards, and last week Mbalula hinted at the possibility of reviewing the judging process. However, what cannot be faulted is the sheer camaraderie.

The 2014 SA Sport Awards winners were:

Gold

* Administrator of the Year - Nokuzola Patience Thamae

* Sportsman of the Year - Chad Le Clos

* Sportsman of the Year with Disability - Ernst Francois Van Dyk

* Sportswoman of the Year - Ashleigh Moolman Pasio

* Sportswoman of the Year with Disability - Justin Asher

* Team of the Year - U/19 Cricket

* Newcomer of the Year - Gezelle Magermann

* Coach of the Year - Ephraim Shakes Mashaba

* Volunteer of the Year - Sandile Mqadi

* Indigenous Games of the Year - Ncuva Limpopo