Excitement is building as the gsport team prepares to unveil a top list of Momentum gsport Awards finalists on Saturday, 1 August, to kickstart 10 days of public voting, after #gsport15 judges shortlisted the top three finalists in each category.
This year, the judging process took place virtually due to the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic which restricts gatherings.
The elite judging panel had their work cut out as they sifted through more than 180 nominees to conclude a total of 60 finalists.
“Judging was different this year, because even though we had an online connection, it’s more difficult to really discuss any particular candidate that way,” pointed out SABC News Deputy Sports Editor, Janet Whitton.
“The advantage to that though is you aren’t influenced, so your opinions are very much your own.”
Whitton was encouraged to see new names and top-drawer youth additions on the nominees list.
“What I found particularly encouraging was how many new names appeared and the power of youth – the nominees for emerging and school athletes were out of the very top draw.” – SABC News Deputy Sports Editor, Janet Whitton.
“The strength of the candidates was outstanding! That was unexpected in a year where so much action was lost due to Covid-19.
“And, what I found particularly encouraging was how many new names appeared and the power of youth – the nominees for emerging and school athletes were out of the very top draw.
“It’s really tough now to eliminate people when they have been so inspiring. Women’s sport has come a long way in the last 15 years!”
South African National Editors Forum’s Mary Papayya echoed Whitton’s statement, highlighting gsport and Momentum’s eagerness to shine the light on women’s sport during Covid-19.
“Under Covid-19, the gap between men and women in all areas of society has been laid bare. We have seen women on the receiving end of some of the worst abuses and attacks in our history.
“The Momentum gsport Awards is one platform that shines light on the achievements of women and more especially in an arena focussing on the inequality and the gaps in the roles, contributions and recognition of women and their male counterparts.” – South African National Editors Forum’s, Mary Papayya.
“The Momentum gsport Awards is one platform that shines light on the achievements of women and more especially in an arena focussing on the inequality and the gaps in the roles, contributions and recognition of women and their male counterparts.
“This is a good story in a time of great uncertainty and challenge.”
First-time judge, Odessa Swarts, has been blown away with the new challenge on her hands.
“It was an exciting and yet challenging process for me as a first-time judge, especially since the nominees were of exceptional quality. It is such a great honour to be part of the judging panel with an inspiring group of women in sport,” said the gsport Hall of Famer.
“The categories are so diverse that all our women in the sporting fraternity can be recognized for their contributions and performances in sport, as well as those we do not get to hear of on TV or on social media.
“I was so overwhelmed with amazing CV’s of women in sport and the work of women in our communities working towards empowering our nation.” – gsport Hall of Famer, Odessa Swarts.
“I tried to only stick to what I had in front of me on paper, as I was so overwhelmed with amazing CV’s of women in sport and the work of women in our communities working towards empowering our nation,” Swarts continued.
“I trust that the Top Three in every category deserves to be there and to those who did not make the Top Three, it is still an honour to be nominated for the Momentum gsport Awards. Hats off to Kass and her team for giving women in sport a voice, recognition and hope for the next generation. I am honestly proud to be proud of this movement!”
SASCOC’s COO, Patience Shikwambana, admits that the judging was not an easy task due to the exceptional quality of nominees.
“First, the adjudication process was clearly outlined to us as judges which enabled us to fairly, independently without any favours select our Top Three individually.
“Nominations received were simply breath-taking, high quality and very diverse and from my side it was a very difficult exercise to conclude my Top Three.” – SASCOC COO, Patience Shikwambana.
“Nominations received were simply breath-taking, high quality and very diverse and from my side it was a very difficult exercise to conclude my Top Three,” she added.
“Through this process, one is confident and believes that more needs to be done to continue celebrating, telling these positive and successful stories about women in sport in all areas.
“One also appreciated the day’s session where we discussed the process, our views, experienced some categories to have a better understanding and what was expected.
Shikwambana reveals that the finalists list is filled with well deserving women in sport from across the globe.
“I’m excited and eagerly waiting for the release of the Top Three finalists. The nation should expect well deserving finalists across the globe, excellency, versatile finalists who because of their passion, commitment and dedication have made it to the Top Three.”
DSAC gsport coordinator and Director Facilities Manager, Nthangeni Tshivhase, is grateful to play her part in recognising the achievements of athletes and women in sport.
“Thank you so much for having me as one of your judges! I am very honoured and grateful to have been given the opportunity.
“Besides learning a lot from this exciting and not so easy experience, I am grateful that I was judging alongside prominent sports personalities in the country, what a wow! Together we can do more as women #Womandla.”
The final Momentum gsport Awards judging panel is:
Janet Whitton – Deputy Sports Editor – SABC News
Marsha Cox – Former SA hockey captain and 2015 Special Recognition winner
Mary Papayya – South African National Editors Forum
Nthangeni Tshivhase – DSAC gsport coordinator and Director Facilities Management
Odessa Swarts – gsport Hall of Famer
Patience Shikwambana – SASCOC COO
Saray Khumalo – Ministerial Award winner and reigning gsport Woman of the Year
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