{"id":264392,"date":"2025-06-19T16:27:36","date_gmt":"2025-06-19T14:27:36","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/novanews.co.za\/bloemnuus\/?p=264392"},"modified":"2025-06-20T10:57:36","modified_gmt":"2025-06-20T08:57:36","slug":"a-toast-to-excellence","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/novanews.co.za\/bloemnewsexpress\/a-toast-to-excellence\/","title":{"rendered":"A toast to excellence"},"content":{"rendered":"\n\n

Sports stars from across the Free State will be honoured for their achievements at a glamorous event hosted by the University of Free State (UFS) and Novus Media.\r<\/p>\n\n\n\n

This year’s event will take place on Thursday, 9 October, at the Monte Bello Estate outside Bloemfontein.\r<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Jeannine van Zyl, general manager of Novus Media Community News in the Free State and Northern Cape, says the partnership allows Novus Media to highlight and celebrate outstanding achievements while fostering a strong connection between the sporting communities. \r<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Former Protea netball player Vanes-Mari du Toit will once again serve as master of ceremonies and co-host alongside Rethabile Moshounyane, a local radio presenter and student at the University of the Free State (UFS). Louzanne Coetzee, who has won three medals at the Paralympic Games and was named the 2024 Sports Star of the Year, will be this year’s keynote speaker. \r<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Coetzee, a visually impaired athlete, won a silver medal in the T11 category of the 1 500m race and a bronze medal in the T12 marathon at the 2020 Paralympic Games held in Tokyo. She won another bronze medal in the T11, 1500m race at the 2024 Paralympic Games held in Paris. \r<\/p>\n\n\n\n

“The awards provide a vital platform to honour the remarkable achievements of our student-\r<\/p>\n\n\n\n

athletes and Free State stars,” says Jerry Laka, director of KovsieSport, arts and culture.\r<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u25a0 Keep an eye on Novus Media’s community newspapers in the Free State \u2013 BloemNuus, BloemExpress, Vista, and VrystaatKroon \u2013 for more information about this year’s nominations and other details about the 2024 Sports Star of the Year awards event.\r<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The evening’s proceedings will begin at 18:00 for 18:30. \r<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Tickets cost R480 for a single ticket or R4 800 for a table of ten. \r<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Direct enquiries at Ainslee Oosthuyen at 074 120 4450, or send email to ainslee@spottedapple.co.za.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"\"
Former Protea netball player Vanes-Mari du Toit will be the master of ceremonies.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
\"\"
Rethabile Moshounyane, local radio presenter and student will be the co-host alongside Vanes-Mari du Toit.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
\"\"
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Sports stars from across the Free State will be honoured for their achievements at a glamorous event hosted by the University of Free State (UFS) and Novus Media. 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