WATCH | SA Olympic and Paralympic athletes honoured

Olympic

Cape Town — President Cyril Ramaphosa honoured the South African athletes who competed at the 2024 Olympic and Paralympic Games, in a celebration of the spirit of South Africa.

In an address to the hundreds of South African athletes at the Union Buildings in Pretoria, Ramaphosa said it was a moment to express gratitude to the athletes who represented South Africa with distinction on the global stage.

“We are celebrating the extraordinary resilience of our athletes, their unwavering determination and their incredible talent. We are celebrating the profound symbolism that sport holds in our society,” he said.

Ramaphosa reflected on South Africa’s Olympics and Paralympic journey, as well as the efforts of the athletes are the previous games. He said South Africa’s participation in the Games was about more than sport, but also about equality and the fight for justice after years of discrimination and segregation in South African sports.

“As the country embarked on its transition to democracy, as the world gathered in Barcelona for the 1992 Olympics, South Africa was ready to take its place among the world’s sporting nations once again. For many, this was not just about winning medals. It was about reclaiming our place in the world,” he said.

He said South Africa’s return to the Olympics was an important symbol of freedom, while Paralympians have shown their athletic ability despite challenges faced due to disabilities.

As we honour our Olympic and Paralympic champions, we must recognise the ongoing work that needs to be done to support athletes with disabilities.

The 2024 Paris Olympic and Paralympic Games saw remarkable performances from Team South Africa. We honour the medallists, Team SA and everyone who has played a role in making our country so proud.

Our Olympic team won 6 medals: 1 gold, 3 silver and 2 bronze. Our Paralympic team also won 6 medals: 2 gold and 4 bronze and the medalists were honoured with Recognition Awards.

He also honoured Olympic swimmer, Tatjana Smith, and Paralympian sprinter and long jumper, Mpumelelo Mhlongo, with the Shield of Jove, a symbol of excellence, perseverance and dedication to the pursuit of sporting greatness.

” This year, we are proud to award the Shield of Jove to Tatjana Smith and Mpumelelo Mhlongo, in recognition of their exceptional achievements at the 2024 Paris Olympic and Paralympic Games. These remarkable achievements are the product of a collective commitment to building a sustainable sporting culture in South Africa,” he said.

The government remains committed to producing high-performing athletes, and it is important to ensure that the next generation of South African athletes have a greater opportunity to succeed.

“We must continue to invest in youth development, ensuring that children in every part of our country – whether urban or rural – have access to sports programmes. This means strengthening our partnerships with local schools, community centres and clubs,” he said.

He said the celebration was not just about medals, but for the spirit of South Africa, as a nation that has been forged in struggle, adversity and hope.

He thanked all the parties involved including athletes, coaches, doctors, managers, friends and families for their continuous support and role played in shaping today’s athletes.

“We are a nation that stands united, proud and ready for the challenges of the future. Together, we will continue to build a legacy of sporting excellence A legacy that will inspire many generations to come,” he concluded.

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Compiled by Matthew Petersen

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