Springboks Win at the Laureus World Sport Awards
The Minister of Sports, Arts and Culture Minister Nathi Mthethwa has conveyed his message of appreciation and congratulations to the Springboks for winning the World Team of the Year at the Laureus World Sport Awards. Minister Mthethwa utilising his private twitter account stated the following “We are once again proud of our 2019 Rugby World Cup champions.
The @Springboks have won the prestigious World Team of the Year award at the 2020 Laureus Awards for a brilliant 2019 season. They are true examples of excellent ambassadors. Siyaziqhenya ngani! #OneNation”
The Springboks who won the Rugby World Cup for the third time last year by defeating the England team, have for the second time won the Laureus World Teamof the Year category, the first time being in 2008. In his acceptance speech the captain Siya Kolisi indicated the following, "as sportsmen we really touch lives in the way governments and politicians can't do".
While the Springboks won in their category, they were not the only ones nominated at the Laureus, Natalie du Toit was nominated in the Laureus Sporting moment of the year and the category was won by Sachin Tendulkar.
Meanwhile, the night before the awards Bryan Habana South African rugby legend was inducted into the Laureus World Sports Academy. In his induction the now Laureus Academy member Bryan Habana indicated the following: “Named after two football legends, sport has been a part of my life for as long as I can remember.
Whether being inspired by it, playing it or using it as a medium to give back. To be able to witness first hand both as a fan and as a player the power that sport has to bring about change, as big as I dreamt, I never in my wildest dreams imagined how much sport would impact my life."
“It is an incredible honour for me to become a Laureus Academy member, alongside sporting icons that are not only legends of the sporting world but have also brought so much joy to so many people across the globe, is something that I am extremely humbled by.
The values which Laureus, its Academy and Ambassadors stand for, are values which I hold very dear to my heart. In my new role as an Academy member, I hope that I can continue making a difference, no matter how small, in children’s lives around the world.” added Habana.
The department of Sports, Arts and Culture once more sends its congratulations to the Bryan Habana (South African Legend) and Amabhokobhoko (Springbok Rugby National team) for their continuance of flying the Mzansi flag high and with pride. #StrongerTogether
