More than a decade after retiring from playing netball, eighties phenomenon, Hazel Gumede, has been lauded for her brilliance on the court and her unwavering support for netball in South Africa.
gsport … for Girls! announced Gumede as its 2007 Hall of Fame inductee, at the launch of its first gsport Awards at the posh Westcliff Hotel this morning.
In a sparkling start to Women’s Month, a host of top women in sport, business, media, and entertainment, gathered to recognise the valuable contributions made by women in sport, and to pay tribute to South African women who serve as role models, as gsport also unveiled its Leading Ladies for 2007.
Gumede received her cut-crystal award from gsport’s inaugural Hall of Fame inductee, Penny Heyns, and admitted she was overwhelmed by all the attention.
“It feels so great. I just feel honoured. I used to think it’s something that happens to other people; I never thought it would come to me. That is why I am so excited.”
During her playing days, the proud Soweto resident, nicknamed “Special”, was a prolific goal shooter, who mesmerized fans with her magical style of play, and was a regular feature on the sports pages of leading newspapers.
gsport Editor, Kass Naidoo, paid tribute to Gumede, saying she is an inspiration to all women who contribute to women’s sport. “Women’s sport is richer because of people like Hazel. Choosing her was an honour in itself.
“Aside from her being a legend of the game, Hazel is a humble human being, who is passionate and willing to help women reach their potential on the netball court. Our young athletes are privileged to have a person of her calibre around. She has so much to offer; we can learn so much from her life experience.
“Today’s occasion was made even more special thanks to the support of Clinique, Cell C, and Nike.”
Also this morning, South Africa’s top women’s golf coach, and co-founder of the Women’s World Cup of Golf, Lesley Copeman, who dominated Internet voting on the gsport website, walked away with gsport’s Woman of the Year award.
Melinda Lombard, a pioneer in women’s sports broadcasting, won the Woman in Media award, and Vanya Mangaliso, co-owner of top fashion label Sun Goddess, won the Style Star of the Year Award.
Banyana Banyana captain, Portia Modise, who left for Denmark last night to honour club commitments, beat off stiff competition from recently turned Pro golfer Ashleigh Simon, and national women’s hockey captain Marsha Marescia, to win the 2007 gSTAR of the Year award.
The gsport … for Girls! initiative was launched last August by cricket commentator, Kass Naidoo, to raise the profile of women in sport and showcase outstanding South African women.
Hall of Fame Honours Gumede
More than a decade after retiring from playing netball, eighties phenomenon, Hazel Gumede, has been lauded for her brilliance on the court and her unwavering support for netball in South Africa.
gsport … for Girls! announced Gumede as its 2007 Hall of Fame inductee, at the launch of its first gsport Awards at the posh Westcliff Hotel this morning.
In a sparkling start to Women’s Month, a host of top women in sport, business, media, and entertainment, gathered to recognise the valuable contributions made by women in sport, and to pay tribute to South African women who serve as role models, as gsport also unveiled its Leading Ladies for 2007.
Gumede received her cut-crystal award from gsport’s inaugural Hall of Fame inductee, Penny Heyns, and admitted she was overwhelmed by all the attention.
During her playing days, the proud Soweto resident, nicknamed “Special”, was a prolific goal shooter, who mesmerized fans with her magical style of play, and was a regular feature on the sports pages of leading newspapers.
gsport Editor, Kass Naidoo, paid tribute to Gumede, saying she is an inspiration to all women who contribute to women’s sport. “Women’s sport is richer because of people like Hazel. Choosing her was an honour in itself.
“Aside from her being a legend of the game, Hazel is a humble human being, who is passionate and willing to help women reach their potential on the netball court. Our young athletes are privileged to have a person of her calibre around. She has so much to offer; we can learn so much from her life experience.
“Today’s occasion was made even more special thanks to the support of Clinique, Cell C, and Nike.”
Also this morning, South Africa’s top women’s golf coach, and co-founder of the Women’s World Cup of Golf, Lesley Copeman, who dominated Internet voting on the gsport website, walked away with gsport’s Woman of the Year award.
Melinda Lombard, a pioneer in women’s sports broadcasting, won the Woman in Media award, and Vanya Mangaliso, co-owner of top fashion label Sun Goddess, won the Style Star of the Year Award.
Banyana Banyana captain, Portia Modise, who left for Denmark last night to honour club commitments, beat off stiff competition from recently turned Pro golfer Ashleigh Simon, and national women’s hockey captain Marsha Marescia, to win the 2007 gSTAR of the Year award.
The gsport … for Girls! initiative was launched last August by cricket commentator, Kass Naidoo, to raise the profile of women in sport and showcase outstanding South African women.
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