The guest speaker at this year’s illustrious Free State Sport Stars awards ceremony will be none other than Banyana Banyana coach, Desiree Ellis.
Ellis, a former player and captain of the national women’s football team, recently returned from the 2023 Fifa Women’s World Cup held in Australia, where Banyana Banyana secured a historical 3 – 2 victory over Italy in their final group game.
In doing so, they became the first South African women’s team to win a match in the World Cup, and advance to the tournament’s round of 16.
During the awards ceremony, taking place on 12 October, the province’s achievers on the sportsfield will be honoured for their exceptional performances throughout the year.
This glamorous event is presented by Central24 and the University of the Free State (UFS), with the hosting thereof made possible by sponsors.
Frans Steyn – Sport Star of the Year for 2022, two-time Rugby World Cup winner for the Springboks, and a sportsman hailing from the Free State – emphasised the importance of acknowledging up-and-coming sportsmen and sportswomen, especially from the rural areas of the province, as they garner praise for the Free State both nationally and internationally.
At last year’s award ceremony Steyn not only walked away with the Sport Star of the Year trophy; he was also named Sportsman of the Year.
He is of the opinion that acknowledging the efforts made by children and youths in their sporting endeavours is crucial.
“It encourages them.”
DB Prinsloo, former KovsieSport director, attests to the importance of giving young achievers praise for their sporting talent and accomplishments, as showcased by the Free State Sport Star of the Year award ceremony.
“They are applauded for the many hours invested into their passion. This motivates them to work even harder to make their sport-related goals a reality,” he said.
For more information on this year’s Free State Sport Stars event and its nominations, read Central24’s newspapers: Bloem News, Express, Vista, and VrystaatKroon.
Tickets to this grand gala dinner, to commence at 18:00 for 18:30 at Monte Bello in Bloemfontein, are sold at R440, or R4 400 for a table of ten.
To reserve tickets for the event or make an enquiry, call Ainslee Oosthuyen on 074-120-4450, or send an email to ainslee@spottedapple.co.za.
