Announcing the launch of the 2014 edition of the Gauteng Sports Awards, the MEC for Sports and Recreation, Lebogang Maile, said that it was important that the province celebrates the province's critical role in realising the freedom we enjoy today as a country.
"Gauteng has hosted a number of important global sporting and cultural events, which have helped to boost social cohesion and unity in this country. We therefore urge the people of Gauteng to join us in this year's awards to celebrate that contribution and recognise their sporting heroes," he said.
Launched in 2010, the Gauteng Sports Awards recognise and reward the province's sports stars for their efforts in keeping the passion of sport alive in the hearts of millions of South Africans through their efforts in local and international sporting events. To this end, the annual awards honour individuals and teams that have excelled both on and off the field.
Gauteng is the home to many stadia and sporting grounds that hosted opening and closing ceremonies, kick-off of international games such as the 2010 FIFA World Cup, 2013 Africa Cup of Nations and the 2003 Cricket Wold Cup.
"It's moments such as that first goal by Bafana at FNB stadium in the opening game of the 2010 FIFA World Cup that unified the nation and reignited patriotism. It's that basis and other similar examples that we say, sports start in Gauteng," added Maile.
While officially announcing the call for nominations, the MEC also took the opportunity to reveal a list of Gauteng Sports Awards 2014 Ambassadors. The list includes television and radio personality Kwena Moabelo, actress Hlubi Mboya, young golfers Raylyn Anthony and Caleb George, radio personality, William Lehong, footballer Lehlohonolo Majoro and television personality Boitumelo Thuso.
Since launch, the Gauteng Sports Awards have seen tremendous growth. In fact, in 2013, the number of nominations submitted doubled, from 92 to 190 and some of last year's biggest winners include Caster Semenya in the Sportswoman of the Year category and Cameron van der Burgh who won the Gauteng Sportsman of the Year award. In the same year, the awards introduced the Gauteng Sport Fan of the Year award.
For more, go to http://www.gautengsportawards.co.za or contact Nino Zama on +27 (0)83 473 6725 / az.vog.gnetuag@amaz.onin
