Pretoria’s Paralympic stars honoured at SA Sport Awards
Two young Paralympic stars of Pretoria were among the sports stars who were honored at the South African Sports Awards.
Track and Field stars raked in the gongs on Sunday evening, with Wayde van Niekerk leading the way as numerous athletes made appearances on stage at the South African Sport Awards in Bloemfontein.
Van Niekerk was named Sports Star of the Year after a spectacular season which included his memorable 400m victory from lane eight in a world record 43.03 at the Rio Olympic Games.
He was also recognised as People’s Choice, which was determined by public vote, and Sportsman of the Year, as well as receiving an International Achievement trophy and the Shield of Jove.
For his award as SA Sports Star of the Year, Van Niekerk won a new car and R1 million, half of which will go to a charity of his choice.
Caster Semenya, the Olympic 800m champion, was recognised as Sportswoman of the Year, and she too earned an International Achievement trophy, while Paralympic sprint champion Dyan Buis was also given the Shield of Jove.
Photo: Martin Potgieter
Two local athletes from Pretoria dominated the division for disabled sportsmen.
Double Paralympic gold medallist Charl du Toit was revealed as the Sportsman of the Year with a Disability, and double silver medallist Ilse Hayes from Stellenbosch was named Sportswoman of the Year with a Disability.
Another Paralympic sprinter, teenager Ntando Mahlangu, scooped Newcomer of the Year for his Paralympic silver medal, and Van Niekerk’s coach, Ans Botha, was recognised as Coach of the Year.
“These awards again prove how successful our athletes were this year, and we are pleased they have been acknowledged in this way,” said Athletics South Africa President, Aleck Skhosana.
“Congratulations to all the winners and nominees for being recognised, and we wish them all well for the 2017 season.
“We are now praying and wishing Wayde well in contesting the 2016 IAAF Athlete of The Year crown which will be announced on 3 December (Saturday) in Monaco. A win for him there will complete a good year for ASA on the international stage.”
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