Celebrating Increasing Support of Women’s Sport

On this meaningful Mandela Day, gsport, South Africa’s leading women’s sport initiative, celebrated a special lunch event to honour the remarkable efforts of women supporting women’s sport. 

The event marked nearly a decade since the inception of the Supporter of the Year award at the Momentum gsport Awards, and it was a resounding success in celebrating the progress made in championing the support for women’s sport.

Mandela Day, a day dedicated to making a positive impact on communities and the world, served as the perfect backdrop for gsport’s celebration of women’s sport supporters. The legacy of Nelson Mandela, an advocate for equality and human rights, resonates deeply with gsport’s commitment to promoting and uplifting women athletes and sports personalities in South Africa.

Gathered at the exquisite Mamasamba in Rosebank, Johannesburg, like-minded individuals came together to acknowledge and appreciate the unwavering dedication of exceptional supporters who have championed women’s sport throughout the years.

The highlight of the event was the presence and inspiring words of Mama Joy Chauke, the very first recipient of the prestigious Supporter of the Year award in 2015 and 2016. Mama Joy’s back-to-back wins on the gsport stage have set the tone for increased support of women’s sports in the country, and her unwavering dedication continues to inspire countless others.

Mama Joy leaves to the FIFA Women’s World Cup this week to fly the flag for Banyana Banyana at their second consecutive World Cup appearance and she is over the moon.

“I am urging you South Africa to support Banyana Banyana not only during the FIFA Women’s World Cup but all the time. They deserve our support!”

gsport Founder, Kass Naidoo, said: “Mama Joy’s impact on the support of women’s sport in South Africa is immeasurable. Her achievements and advocacy have paved the way for a new era of recognition and appreciation for women athletes and teams.

“Today, on Mandela Day, we not only celebrate women’s sport supporters but also reaffirm our commitment to creating a more inclusive and equal sporting landscape in South Africa, in line with the values championed by Nelson Mandela.” 

During the emotional and empowering lunch, Mama Joy passionately urged South Africans to continue supporting women’s sport and treat them with the same respect and recognition given to their male counterparts. Her heartfelt message resonated with attendees, inspiring them to play an active role in advancing women’s sport in the country.

“Let’s all go out there and support women’s sport. Look at me, I have won the 2015 and 2016 Supporter of the Year award on the gsport stage and today, I am having lunch with Founder, Kass Naidoo. You too can be here for supporting women’s sport.”

The lunch event also promoted nominations for the 18th edition of Africa’s longest-running women’s sport awards. Attendees were encouraged to actively participate in nominating leading candidates across 20 public categories, unearthing icons and role models for future generations.

The success of the lunch event and the enthusiastic response from attendees have further solidified gsport’s commitment to raising the profile of women’s sport and elevating the voices of those who have tirelessly supported the cause.

Follow @gsport4girls and check out gsport.co.za for the latest news, insights and stories for the world of women’s sport!