Since being honoured with the inaugural gsport Volunteer of the Year award in 2007, Ilse Langhout has woven sport into the very fabric of her life. From a young sports administrator to a passionate trail runner, Langhout’s journey has been marked by dedication, growth, and an unyielding love for sports.
After serving on the Boland Cricket Board and Cricket South Africa Women’s Cricket Committee, she decided to step back and hand over the reins to emerging young administrators.
This decision was not the end of her sporting involvement but rather a transition to new ventures. She dove into coaching soccer at Maties Football Club, where she rekindled her passion for the game and achieved the personal milestone of playing over 100 matches for the club.
Upon her final retirement from soccer, Langhout sought a new challenge and discovered running. What began as a simple participation in a local park-run, where completing the full 5km seemed daunting, soon blossomed into a lifestyle of trail ultra-marathons.
Langhout found joy in testing her mental and physical limits and has become an active member of the trail running community, sharing her love for exploring new trails and connecting like-minded enthusiasts.
Winning the gsport Volunteer of the Year award in 2007 was a profound personal achievement for her. While her day-to-day career lies outside the realm of sports, the recognition validated her voluntary contributions and inspired her to continue making a difference.
“The award was not about the accolades, but rather about the fulfilment I gained from adding value to the sports community. Being seen and appreciated fuelled my passion for helping others. The true reward lies in the impact I can have on those around me.”
Inaugural gsport Volunteer of the Year Award winner in 2007, Ilse Langhout
Langhout has been a witness to gsport’s transformative impact on gender equality in sports over the past 18 years. The organisation has played a pivotal role in normalising the conversation around equality, opening doors for women and fostering essential dialogues.
While acknowledging the strides made, Langhout believes there is still significant progress to be achieved.
“The efforts of gsport have been crucial in creating opportunities and promoting visibility for female athletes, paving the way for future generations. The influence of gsport has been monumental in providing a dedicated platform for women’s sports,” Langhout commented.
“This exposure has not only increased sponsorship opportunities but has also helped female athletes become household names. The visibility afforded by gsport has empowered women in sports to rise and perform at higher levels,” she said.
While recognising that the journey is far from complete, Langhout is optimistic about the upward trajectory that can only bring more opportunities for women in sports.
To further enhance the visibility of women’s sports, the long-time athlete advocates for dedicated platforms at the provincial level, offering recognition and encouragement to others who may not yet be at the national level.
Langhout envisions a comprehensive database that provides information on various sports and athletes, enabling broader awareness and support. Such initiatives would help elevate lesser-known sports and create a network of empowerment within the sporting community.
Langhout’s advice to young women looking to make a difference in sports, whether through volunteering or professional avenues, is simple:
“‘Stick with it.’ Helping others, in any capacity, enriches one’s life. The rewards may not always be immediate, but the fulfilment and impact are invaluable. Understanding the behind-the-scenes workings of the industry, as well as developing the physical skills necessary for success is vital.”
Ilse Langhout’s journey is a testament to the power of passion, dedication, and the positive impact one can have through sports. Her story is an inspiration to all who seek to make a difference, proving that the love for sport transcends personal achievements and creates a legacy of empowerment and community.
Photo Caption: From a young sports administrator to a passionate trail runner Ilse Langhout has woven sport into the very fabric of her life since being honoured with the inaugural gsport Volunteer of the Year award in 2007. Photos: Supplied
(+2 rating, 2 votes, rated)
Loading...
