Covid-19 has meant that sports took a back burner in an effort to curb the spread of the deadly virus.
But that has not stopped the City of Johannesburg from acknowledging the contributions of volunteers and journalists who have kept residents on matters sports wise.
On 2 October 2020, the MMC for Community Development Cllr Margaret Arnolds supported the Johannesburg Women in Sports Awards 2020 held at the Johannesburg Stadium.
She presented the Volunteer of the Year award to Anke Langenhorst; Community Sports Journalist of the Year to Mpumi Manyisi and Community Radio Presenter of the Year to Itumeleng Banda.
An excited Banda of Massive Metro and Eldos FM said: “As a young individual who works in a male dominating industry, as long as I here, there is a voice for every young women and female athletes. For us is to activate and influence change and may this be a stepping stone towards years to come.”
The awards are primarily based and steered by the core values of an athlete-centred and excellence-driven sports system, which the City of Joburg is committed to advance through supporting sports organisations by offering grants, providing access to facilities and management thereof.
There were 16 categories, which varied from Sportswoman of the Year, Sports Administrator of the year, Technical Official of the Year, Sports Journalist of the year to name a few. A total of 260 nominations were received from women who made an impact in sports in Johannesburg over the past 24 months.
“It is always emotional to see young administrators, coaches and athlete being acknowledged. Letters and emails got from parents expressing their gratitude were well received especially the ones from dads who came out to say they love their girls to do sport. There is a concern especially when it comes to equality and equal playing field”, expressed Moonira Ramathula, founder and chairperson of the Futballing Girls NPC.
Cllr Arnolds pledged her support for the Women in Sports Awards and to all women - who against all odds - excel in the sport field; giving female athletes and administrators hope of meaningful change, levelling the playing field and provision of opportunities to excel. More often women are not as celebrated as their counterparts.
“Their excellence is not equally rewarded and that ought to change,” said MMC Arnolds.
She further stressed the importance of supporting women not only in skills development but also economic and social empowerment and re-confirmed that the City will fight gender-based violence while supporting programmes that feature women who contribute in making the City of Johannesburg a World Class African City.
The Women in Sports Awards 2020 Awards was made possible by the City of Joburg, Gauteng Provincial Government Sport, Arts, Culture and Recreation, Futballing Girls NPC and Gauteng Provincial Sports Confederation and Johannesburg Sports Confederation.
