GBC’s first sports awards a winner
PLETTENBERG BAY - Greenwood Bay College in Plettenberg Bay held its first annual sports award on Tuesday 19 September and athletes were treated to a presentation by former USA Olympian sub-four-minute miler Ray Wicksell, who has settled in the town.
The evening was a winner with more than 250 people attending – 110 students and more than 130 parents. There were a total of about 230 awards, 170 team awards, 36 special awards for each team, 11 perfect attendance awards, four Penguin Awards (helpers in sport administration) 12 honours, colours and half colours.
Wicksell, who is a motivational speaker and brand promoter, brought Nike to South Africa and has been associated with a number of sportsmen and -women, including Tiger Woods, Michael Jordan, André Agassi, Charlene Woodstock (now Princess Charlene of Monaco), Caster Semenya and Brian Habana. He said his brand development, marketing and training experience has been gained through many international companies, "and with some of the best athletes and athletic clubs on the world".
He said sport keeps young people "out of nonsense, off drugs and alcohol" and enables them to focus on their futures.
Key to success in sport and becoming a champion was setting goals - and sticking to them. After being banned in the USA for competing in South Africa in the 80s, he decided to make South Africa his home.
His mother, who gave birth to him at the age of 16, was an inspirational character and was "almost like a sister", encouraging him to set himself goals, not only in athletics, but in all of life.
"Sport gives you discipline, setting goals and achieving those goals and bringing consistency in life. It teaches you to work hard and that's what successful people do in life. Mentorship was also important. Each one teaches one… aspire to make a difference," said Wicksell, promising that he will be returning to GBC with some Springbok mentors to inspire learners.
The organiser of the evening, Kerri Wood of GBC, said the first annual sports awards was "a great success, enjoyed by students, parents and staff alike". She said Wicksell had delivered a motivating and wellreceived message to all.
"We are proud to acknowledge our student athletes and all they have achieved this year. We look forward to the continued success of this event," said Wood.