Central Gauteng Athletics, one of the City of Joburg Sport and Recreation’s strategic partners in the delivery of athletics programmes, this week shone the spotlight on its stars at a glittering event at Montecasino. Sprint sensation Akani Simbine and 100m record-holder Karina Horn both scooped awards: the sportsman and sportswoman of the year awards at the ceremony.
“This prestigious award event is meant to honour and display excellent work done,” said Steven Khanyile, the President of Central Gauteng Athletics in his opening remarks.
In appreciating partners, he added: “The support given by partners made it all possible for participation at national and international athletics meetings.”
Among the partners were the likes of Tsogo Sun, Spar, Nike, the University of Johannesburg, municipalities in Gauteng, the Gauteng Provincial Government and media houses.
Addressing coaches, athletes, officials, administrators and volunteers, Khanyile said: “Your commitments and achievements make us proud. That is the reason we are here this evening to celebrate you.”
President of Athletics South Africa James Moloi in his congratulation message to CGA said: “This has been a long hard season. CGA needs to celebrate its successful programme that managed to produce athletes who made it to the SA Athletics Team and world stages.”
“Milestones are worth celebrating. The discipline and selflessness that continue in CGA is remarkable. Athletics South Africa recognises the work done by athletes, coaches, officials, administrators and volunteers in growing the sport of athletics,” said Moloi.
However, he cautioned: “You are as good as your last performance.”
Celebrated coach and the author of 15 books, Owen van Niekerk, who is a resident of Westdene, Johannesburg, received a CGA Presidential Lifetime Achievement.
As a researcher, he produced literature on the development of pure speed, explosive spring exercises and on both the white and red muscles fibre types of athletes.
“Oom Owen, as he is fondly known in the athletics family, is one of those who we celebrate. We are fortunate to have gone through his teaching and we learnt and achieved.
More than anything else, he has 600 South African champions,” said Khanyile.
“He has a great personality and is multi-skilled. He commands vast knowledge in sprint, hurdle and jump, throws, short and long distances,” added Khanyile.
His wife, Maryna van Niekerk, one of the best SA triple jump athletes and also a member of the SA coaching squad, witnessed how Oom Owen was given a standing ovation.
15/11/2022