As we lead up to the 2023 Momentum gsport Awards, we continue to catch up with former winners on the celebrated gsport stage and also uncover how the #PowerOfRecognition has impacted their lives and careers.
Earlier this year, GolfRSA announced 2021 Telkom Woman of the Year award winner and former Gymnastics SA CEO Anne Vermaak as their new Operations Manager from 1 March 2023. The renowned sport administrator has been tasked to assist in the growth and development in golf.
The well-known and highly respected sports administrator says “I strive to lead a life with strong personal ethics and values, including honesty, transparency, positivity, and accountability.”
She adds that, “gsport as a key player in enhancing the visibility of women’s sport and the support thereof.”
Lonwabo Nkohla sat down with Anne as we build up, in excitement, to #gsport18
What are your thoughts on the Year of Women’s Sport and the spotlight on women’s sport in 2023?
I think this is the perfect time to highlight women’s sport. This has been such an exciting year with women in sport just shining brightly across all the sporting codes.
Banyana Banyana is off to the FIFA Women’s World Cup, the National Women’s Artistic Gymnastics team is representing the continent at the Artistic World Championships in Belgium in October and later this month, Ashleigh Buhai will defend her AIG Women’s Open title, having reeled in three more victories across the globe since her breakthrough at Muirfield last year.
In March, our Protea Women’s Cricket team enjoyed a fantastic T20 World Cup on home soil and Charlene Pienaar became South Africa’s first female disabled world champion when she won the 2023 ISPS Handa IBGA World Blind Championships. Our swimmers have once again been outstanding, and with the Diamond League just kicking off, some of our female rising stars already set the international stage on fire in Stockholm and Paris.
What was the best part of your Momentum gsport Awards experience?
From simply being honoured with the recognition of being a finalist to getting all dressed up to feel like a million bucks, the entire experience was just amazing. For me, personally, the best part was to share both years with other gymnastics winners, as well as meet other industry leaders.
What is your advice to someone who is perhaps struggling to value themselves and recognize their own achievements?
Whilst it is wonderful to have others recognize your achievements, true happiness comes when you love yourself for who you are. Be proud of yourself, love yourself, strive to be a better you and be happy that your biggest cheerleader is yourself; there is no one else who knows you better.
What does #PowerOfRecognition mean to you?
I see the gsport #PowerOfRecognition catapulting women athletes and support personnel into the spotlight and celebrating their hard work and achievements.
As a highly respected sports administrator and someone who has sat in high offices in SA Sport, how do you handle the pressures of being an influential figure in SA Sport?
I believe in a life of service and that one should lead by example. I strive to lead a life with strong personal ethics and values, including honesty, transparency, positivity, and accountability. By living these values every day, you will have a positive impact on the world.
What are your views on the impact of the work gsport does?
I view gsport as a key player in enhancing the visibility of women’s sport and the support thereof. Idols inspire and it is so important to recognise the wonderful talents of women across all sectors and all sports, and to raise their profiles to inspire the next generation.
gsport has an important role to play in the worldwide movement of promoting the amazing achievement of women in sport.
What can we do to close the visibility gap in women’s sport?
While it is imperative for women in sport to work closely together, it is equally important to have male allies. I further believe when we appreciate that diversity is important to move forward, we will close all gaps in sport.
What is your message to South African women’s teams due to play in World Cups this year?
To all the women athletes and teams taking part in sport this year – what an amazing experience to be at the top of your game, representing your country on the world stage! Enjoy every second of every experience! We love you and we are proud of you. Please bring back everything you learn and impart your experience to help grow our country and sport for the better!
With this being a year that provides us the opportunity to amplify on Women’s sport, what are you dreams and goals for GolfRSA?
We have such wonderful ambassadors and leaders in the game, and I would love to see women’s golf continuing to shine. I would also love to see more young girls and career women learning to play this game that assists you with life lessons and experiences to help you with life.
What is your wish for women’s sport in general?
I wish for all women’s sport to shine in the public’s eye; for women to be appreciated for all they accomplish in the sporting world. I wish for every woman to get involved in, and love, one sporting activity. In addition to the personal benefit gained from taking part at any level, sport is improved by women being part of it!