The Ministry of Sport and Recreation South Africa (SRSA) would like to take this opportunity to wish our Youth Team a Good Luck in their trip to the Isle of Man in September this year (2011). As a nation we are delighted and proud that our young athletes will again represent the Republic of South Africa to the Commonwealth games that is one of the prestigious competitions in the world sport stage.
Our nation is inspired by your continued zeal and zest in the previous tournaments.You have not disappointed us; you made sure that you come back home with medals. We are particularly delighted by your performance in 2008 Games where out of sixty one (61) Athletes, you managed to bag thirty (30) Medals; and today you rank fourth (4th) in the Commonwealth Games Federation out of seventy one (71) nations. This is, indeed, a performance of champions.
To the 2011 team taking part in the Commonwealth Youth Games, on behalf of the government of the Republic of South Africa and the entire Sport loving community of South Africa, may the team rest assured of South Africa’s rhythm and ululation each time they participate in any sporting code in that foreign terrain of battle. Indeed, you are a team of athletes that the nation is proud of; and all our people, united in their diversity, are unwaveringly behind you. Our people know and are convinced that through your continuous participation in such elite games, you are on your way to top performance in the world sport.
We are confident that you will do our country proud and come back victorious to sharpen your arsenals and those of your brothers and sisters even further in preparation for the ultimate battlefield in London during the 2012 Olympics.
Hence, SRSA and the democratic state trust that for each team member a winning performance at the Games will be a step towards medal glory in the international platform, and that your years of training and preparation will pay off well.
Good Luck again to every one!
Fikile A Mbalula (Mr)
Minister
