Weekend Argus (Saturday Edition)
‘You represent not only SA, but the continent’
Brunch honours sportspeople from across Africa
ATHLETES of all ages gathered for the second biennial brunch honouring sportspeople from across Africa ahead of Africa Day tomorrow, with provincial Sport Confederation chairman Elton Davids declaring that when “you put on that green and gold blazer, you represent not only South Africa, but the continent of Africa”.
“You are the best of what there is to represent,” Davids said.
Yesterday’s brunch began a weekend of events highlighting African heritage, cul- ture and achievement, with a special focus on sportspeople for their ability to represent the continent on an international platform.
Cultural Affairs and Sport MEC Dr Ivan Meyer, who on Monday becomes Finance MEC, was the keynote speaker at the event.
He emphasised that Africa was a continent on the rise, and that sport was a perfect example of African excellence.
“Sports offer hope to the one billion people on the African continent,” said Meyer.
“It’s part of really making this African renaissance a reality.”
Cape Town swimming coach Brian Button has been working to create that African renaissance for many years. He was honoured for his 60- year dedication to training some of the best disabled swimmers in South Africa.
He has helped innumerable athletes achieve success, including swimmer Achmat Hassiem, who represented South Africa in the 2008 and 2012 Summer Paralympics.
Also among his success stories is 26-year-old Kevin Waller, another of those hon- oured yesterday.
Waller began swimming about five years ago when he lost his right leg.
He continues to train five days a week for at least two hours a day.
In Paralympic events during the 2011 All Africa Games, Waller secured both a silver and bronze medal.
Yesterday’s event acknowledged sportspeople of all ages and nationalities, including under-7 Madagascan karate champion Hilalane Varara, and under-8 African Chess champion Seth-Riley Adams.
Although yesterday marked Meyer’s last day in his current executive position, he said his attitude would remain the same.
“Finance is not about money,” he said.
“It is about seeing how money can improve people’s lives.”
Africa Day celebrations will continue today at the Annual Artscape Africa Day Concert at the Artscape Theatre, which will feature the Cape Philharmonic Youth Orchestra, The Libertas Choir and Bongani Sotshononda’s Indigenous Orchestra.
Tickets are R80 and the concert starts at 8pm.
alexandra.wilson@inl.co.za