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Eben, WP win Western Cape gongs

PUBLISHED: March 19, 2014


The Department of Cultural Affairs and Sport (DCAS) celebrated the best sporting achievements of 2013/14 at the Western Cape Sports Awards in Paarl on March 14, with WP Rugby and Eben Etzebeth being rewarded for their efforts of last season.

A total of 21 awards were handed over to the province’s elite athletes at Friday’s event which was supported by regional federations, sport councils and district municipalities.

The Sportsman and Sportswoman of the Year Awards, respectively, went to DHL Western Province, DHL Stormers and Springbok rugby star Eben Etzebeth and national Under-21 netball star Mari-Lena Joubert (both pictured above with Dr Ivan Meyer).

Etzebeth, who was named South African Rugby Young Player of the Year in 2013 for the second successive season, said this was a special award for him.

“Achievements on provincial level make it possible for me to excel on the national stage, so I feel very honoured,” said the powerful lock forward.

“The award makes me proud to represent the Western Cape.”

Other notable winners were the Western Province Rugby Football Union (Federation of the Year), the 2013 DHL WP Currie Cup team (Team of the Year), Hilton Langenhoven (Sportsman with a Disability), Ilse Hayes (Sportswoman with a Disability) and Prof. Christo de Coning (Tim Noakes Scientific/ Research Award).

Minister of Cultural Affairs and Sport Dr Ivan Meyer also handed out Ministerial Commendation Awards to Charles de Villiers, Mark Lewis and Floris Brown (for chess) and Bennie Saayman, Edith Williams and Marlene Wagner (for netball). Cycling awards were handed out to the South Western Districts Cycle Team, Celina-May Arries, Tony Roberts and Nolan Hoffman.

Dr Meyer said the occasion demonstrated the ‘Better Together’ slogan of the Western Cape Government.

“The Western Cape is proud of you for the inspirational role you play and for making a difference in your communities,” said Dr Meyer. “You are role-models and promote cultural warmth through your achievements.”

Dr Meyer also paid tribute to those who had contributed to the development of chess, cycling and netball for a brighter sporting future in the province.