KwaZulu-Natal lifted the winner’s trophy of the fourth SA Games at a colourful awards ceremony, which took place at the Vista University in Bloemfontein on Friday evening.
The province emerged as victors after almost a week of intense competition. Arch-rivals Gauteng were forced to take second position followed by the Western Cape in third position. It is the first time that KZN have managed to break Gauteng’s winning streak, Gauteng having won the last three editions of the SA Games.
The proceedings were opened by remarks from South African Sports Confederation and Olympic Committee (SASCOC) board member Mr. Vusi Mgobhozi. “Our athletes continue to raise the bar by improving not only their personal bests, but also by setting new SA Games records in various sporting codes showcased here this week.”
He congratulate the athletes on their performances and said, “I commend you on your dedication to developing your sporting talent, and wish you all continued success as you work toward becoming “tomorrow’s stars.”
He praised the Local Organizing Committee (LOC), which comprised of the Free State Department of Sports Art and Culture, the Provincial Academy and the City of Mangaung, and declared the 4th SA Games a success.
KZN were untouchable in the swimming pool their swimmers raking in 24 gold medals. Their athletes also performed well in track and field taking 15 gold medals.
Gauteng who have traditionally dominated track and field did not disappoint either with 19 gold medals but this was not enough to push them into the overall lead.
The Western Cape also did well in athletics taking 13 gold whilst their swimmers also won 13 gold. Total medal standings: KZN 53 gold, Gauteng 35 gold and Western Cape 30 gold. The Eastern Cape took fourth position with 22 gold, closely followed by the hosts Free State with 21 gold.
The SA Games are billed as one of the largest multi -coded events on the South African sporting calendar. The week saw 4500 athletes almost 500 from each of the nine provinces, together with 1000 technical and support staff converging on the city of Bloemfontein, competing in 13 different sports codes.
The events also included disability sports. The sport codes that they have competed in are: amateur boxing, amateur golf, athletics, cricket, field hockey, football, goal ball, gymnastics, netball, sevens rugby, swimming, table tennis and tennis.
The SA Games are open for participation to athletes between the ages of 13 and 19 and events included disability sports. The next SA Games will be held in Limpopo in 2009.
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