Local tennis officials on their way to Rio
Tennis officiating in South Africa is healthy and making big strides as evidenced by the fact that three local officials (including two Pretoria residents) was appointed to officiate next year at the 2016 Rio Olympic and Paralympic Games.
Tennis South Africa (TSA) has three tennis officials selected to officiate at the 2016 Rio Olympic and Paralympic Games and two of them are locals and residents of Pretoria.
Iain Smith, South Africa’s highest qualified official of Pretoria has been selected to be Competition Referee at the Paralympics. Smith will be joined by Mxolisi Matyolo of Vosloorus who will be line umpire.
“Being appointed as Referee for the Paralympics is a big responsibility, but an appointment that is very much appreciated and an honour to accept. Working at any of the Games even once is an accomplishment as being part of the Games is a wonderful experience and a privilege” said Smith.
Pieter Hoeksma also from Pretoria has been selected to be line umpire at the 2016 Olympic Games.
“I am very happy about the selection for the Olympic Games in Rio next year. When I applied I really didn’t think that I had a chance again after working the 2012 Olympics in London. I have never been to South America and I’m really looking forward to the challenge”, said Hoeksma.
Smith, who heads the tennis officiating programme at TSA, said he is very proud of the two line umpires selected and the fact that, since 1996 Olympics, South Africa has had officials officiating at the various Olympics and Paralympics.
Gavin Crookes, President of TSA gave his congratulations to the selected. “My particular congratulations to Iain Smith for being appointed the Competition Referee for the Paralympics – a fantastic achievement for him and a great honour for South Africa.”
The 2016 Olympics and Paralympic Games will be hosted by Rio, Brazil. The Olympic Games will be from 5 to 21 August 2016, with the Paralympics from 7 to 18 September 2016.
