PAARL – Top athletes, administrators and volunteers from across the province were honoured at the Western Cape Sport Awards on 28 February at a venue outside Paarl, celebrating excellence and dedication in sport at all levels.
Rugby star Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu from Cape Town was named Sportsman of the Year, while Eden cricketer Annerie Dercksen walked away with the Sportswoman of the Year award.
Disability sport recognition
In the disability sport categories, Paralympic sprinter Mpumelelo Mhlongo claimed the Sportsman of the Year with a Disability accolade, and Eden aquatics competitor Minke Janse van Rensburg was recognised as Sportswoman of the Year with a Disability.
The Oakdale 560 kg Tug of War Team from Eden enjoyed a standout evening, earning both Team of the Year and Junior Sport Team of the Year honours.
Central Karoo’s Lizela Maart was named Sport Administrator of the Year, while Duncan Keet received the Sport Volunteer of the Year award for his contribution to sport in the province.
Aimee Barrett-Theron of Cape Town was recognised as Technical Official of the Year, and Overberg’s Namika Pieterse was celebrated as Junior Sportstar of the Year.
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Schools and coaching excellence
In the schools categories, Zius Brand (Overberg) and Mia Botha (Eden) were named Schools Sportsman and Schools Sportswoman of the Year respectively. Ruehan van Romburgh from the Overberg was awarded Coach of the Year for his achievements in kickboxing.
The Swartland Community Sport Centre was honoured as Recreational Body of the Year, while Eden Cycling received the District Federation of the Year award. Western Cape Dance Sport was named Provincial Sport Federation of the Year.
In the media categories, Danie du Toit was awarded Sport Visual Journalist of the Year, and Charl Williams from the Cape Winelands was named Sports Media Journalist of the Year.
Ministerial Awards were presented to Louis Massyn (Eden) and Mark Ward, recognising their significant contributions to sport in the province.
The awards once again highlighted the depth of sporting talent and commitment across the Western Cape, from grassroots development to elite performance.
