NWU’s best sporting eagles soar at glittering awards ceremony

Elmeré van der Berg (Sportswoman of the Year) for netball and Jarred Elliott (Sportsman of the Year) for badminton, took the top individual honours.

October 10, 2023

Wouter Pienaar 1 minute read

The top achievers of the 2023 NWU Sport Awards: Janise Nell (Junior Sportwoman of the Year), Liezel Gouws (Para-Athlete of the Year), Elmeré van der Berg (Sportwoman of the Year) and Jarred Elliott (Sportsman of the Year). Photo: Wouter Pienaar.

The 2023 NWU Sport Awards was a triumphant celebration of the North-West University’s top sporting performers on both local and international levels.

Elmeré van der Berg (Sportswoman of the Year) for netball and Jarred Elliott (Sportsman of the Year) for badminton, took the top individual honours at this glittering awards ceremony that took place on Monday, 9 October at the Roots Lifestyle Centre.

Janise Nell (Junior Sportswoman of the Year) for race walking and Liezel Gouws (Para Sports Award) were also honoured for their achievement in SA colours.

NWU Sportsman of the Year, Jarred Elliott and NWU sport manager, Johann Sauer.

African badminton champion and NWU Sportsman of the Year, Jared Elliott.

Van der Berg was a deserving winner in the Sportswoman of the Year category having represented the Proteas women’s national netball team at the 2023 Netball World Cup, amongst other superb performances. Elliott had a fantastic year representing South Africa at the World Badminton Championships in Copenhagen, Denmark and also starring at the African Championships for his country taking the title for best in Africa.

The NWU Varsity Rugby team won Team of the Year after winning the 2023 edition of
the Varsity Cup in fine style on home soil.

Patria Men’s Residence and Bellatrix Ladies Residence won the residence awards. Numerous coaches and sportsmen and women were also awarded during the evening.

Jean Verster, Dalene Prinsloo, Ruben Gouws, Tamzin Thomas, and Jerry Motsau.

Colin Powell, Favour Umeh, Elmeré van der Berg, Elsunet du Plessis, Sunel Smit, Sanmarie Visser, Jomari Lubbe and Tlotlang Mokomela.

Favour Umeh, Elmeré van der Berg and Jomari Lubbe.

Sunel Smit, Sanmarie Visser and Tlotlang Mokomela.

“As a university we recognise what we have achieved, but we can achieve more with an even better strategy. We want to bring together all the stakeholders together to perform at an even higher level. Like an Eagle we will continue to soar,” stated Dr Sibusiso Chalufu: Executive Director: Student Life.

The director of NWU Sport, Sheldon Rostron, congratulated NWU’s sporting pride and also emphasised the need to continue striving for sporting excellence and building the NWU brand.