Programme Director
President of Badminton SA, Mr Larry Keys
Chairperson of Northern Gauteng Badminton Association, Ms Suretha Klue
Athletes and distinguished guests
Ladies and gentlemen.
Good evening!
It is my great pleasure to address you this evening at the awards and the closing ceremony of the South African Open and Inter-provincial Championships. I have been told that you have held a very exciting and successful championship.
This SA Championships has a proud and rich tradition. It has been an annual event for the last sixty years.
It enables players from across the length and breadth of our country, to compete against their peers on an equal basis to determine the best players in their classification.
Ladies and gentlemen, during this championship players strive to satisfy their dreams and highest aspirations, that is to qualify to compete in the 2012 London Olympic Games.
I trust that several of our champions present here this evening / to receive their awards / have done us proud and qualified.
To those players who did qualify, the greatest mega event and spectacle in the world await you in 2012. Prepare yourselves well and we will give you all the necessary resources and scientific support, a grand farewell here and a reception in London.
It is rather unfortunate that although I have requested information about the results of the last championships, it has not been forthcoming. However, I am sure that the awardees tonight have had a long and hard route to follow. It takes years of dedication and perseverance to become a national or world champion.
In this regard, the SA Coaching Framework and Long Term Participant Development that SASCOC will launch during November this year will ensure that we plan and practise not in an ad hoc manner, but over a scientifically mapped pathway that will give players all the necessary resources and support over at least two quadrennials. This is how we aim to produce more Olympic and World champions in future.
So players, you should have no more excuses for mediocre performances. We want you to partner with us by giving us your utmost dedication and best conduct as national athletes and ambassadors of our nation and country.
The results tonight of the sixty first Championships clearly demonstrate that the development program of Badminton SA is working.
Let us join hands to make the game available and accessible to all children, even in the remotest parts of our country. This is a simple game to learn, and because it requires little equipment and can be played recreationally outdoors, it is an ideal vehicle to spread the message of an active and healthy lifestyle. Badminton is a game that can be played throughout one’s lifetime.
Therefore, I urge you to grow your game in numbers. You could introduce recreational leagues for children, youth and adults in our communities and in our schools. I know we can do it.
Let me caution; we can have the best players in the world, but if our administration is not sound and thorough, we let them and the entire nation down.
Therefore, it is important to accept that it is the responsibility of the Federations to promote, develop and ensure good governance at CLUB LEVEL in the provinces and please ensure that you adhere to the provisions of your constitution.
It is required that you follow the recognized democratic processes of inclusivity, equity, fairness and integrity.
We know that from time to time disputes arise in any sport. Let us resolve them in the boardroom, and not get into this habit of bashing each other in the media or going to court. We cannot afford wasting time and money on expensive court cases.
Resources are better spent on our athletes who need it more.
South Africa is taking the lead in hosting, organising and administering Badminton on the African Continent. This helps us in our drive to promote sport tourism, and to enhance the image of our country to all on the African continent and abroad. It can also assist in creating meaningful jobs for our unemployed youth.
Our experience of the 2010 FIFA World Cup has shown what great things we can experience and achieve. Let us build on that.
I would like to thank all players for winning graciously and accepting defeat with dignity. To the winners, remember you will be ambassadors for the country on the African Continent and in the rest of the world.
Congratulations. It is time to relax and to enjoy the evening.
Thank you.
