Mahlangu & Schoenmaker THE STARS OF THE GAUTENG SPORTS AWARDS
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n Saturday, 13 November Matric student, Ntando Innocent Mahlangu bagged the Disabled Sportsman of the Year and the Sports Personality of the Year award, at a glittering awards ceremony while queen of the pool, Tatjana Schoenmaker was crowned Sportswoman of the Year.
Mahlangu cleans up at Gauteng Sports Awards Mahlangu was the obvious choice as Disabled Sportsman of the Year having won Gold at the Paralympic Games in Tokyo this year. The double amputee won the 200m in the T61 category, clocking 23.59sec, only slightly off his own world record of 22.92sec set in Gqeberha in April this year. The 200m Gold Medal was a fitting end to Following a hiatus in 2020 due to the Covid-19 the Games for Mahlangu after having won the pandemic that rocked the world and put many Long Jump competition with a world record leap people into very challenging situations, it was of 7.17m. with a smile on her face that Gauteng Sport, Arts, Culture and Recreation MEC, Mbali Hlophe hosted the finalists at the blazing awards ceremony. “We wish to congratulate all winners and finalists of this year's Gauteng Sport Awards”, MEC Mbali Hlophe.” The last 20 or so months have been difficult for all in the sporting industry, especially the athletes and those who help them train. Therefore it has been a big pleasure and indeed a privilege to once again be able to reward our stars of today and tomorrow. Athletes are inspirational and make a big difference in uplifting society and for that they need to be recognised and rewarded. We hope that tonight's awards have been able to go some way in making up for the last 18 months of challenge and hardship. Know that your efforts as athletes, coaches and administrators do not go unnoticed and for that we are grateful. Congratulations to all who were nominated and all who have received awards. We hope that tonight will have inspired a new generation of sports women and men. 11
