SOUTHERN CAPE NEWS - The Southern Cape and Protea bowls player, Billy Radloff, was honoured as the SWD Sportman of the Year while the international surfer, Bianca Buitendag, walked away with the Sportwoman of the Year award.

The Junior Sportwoman is Charlotte Wagener of SWD Karate and the Junior Sportman the SA Schools rugbyplayer, Percy Williams.

The SWD Sport Awards were made by the SWD Sport Council at a prestigious function in the George Civic Centre.

Johan Prinsloo, well-known as a leader-administrator in South African and World rugby, was the guest speaker.

The stressed the fact that transformation in South African rugby is far from completed and in many provinces only on paper.
He commended SWD Eagles Rugby Union on the way they have transformed and the way in which they develop their local talent in the SWD Eagles team.

Lionel Esau, Deputy Mayor of the Eden District Municipality, presented the SWDSC with a cheque of R50 000 that was accepted by the Vice-Chairperson of the SWDSC, Desmond Speelman.

Awards were made to, amongst others:

• Roll Of Honour: Alan Knott-Craig (media); Carl Brandt (cricket); Hendrik van Stryp (cricket); Morné van Rensburg (motorsport).
• Legends: Willie Marx (cycling); Maria Telamachies (baseball); Bruce McCurragh (sailing).
• Technical Excellence: Beth Libenberg (jukskei); Corné Botha (cycling); Faizel Samsoodien (cricket); Cobus Wessels (rugby); Linda Kok (athletics).
• Lifetime Achievers: Abraham Jansen (cricket); Andries van Schalkwyk (cricket); Corné Bence (cycling); Griffith Makok (cricket); Jan Booysen (athletics); Steve Sharp (cricket); Tones Fourie (cricket).
• Community Builder: Christel Johannes (Zoar Sport Council).
• Excellence & Resilience: Thembalethu Cricket Club.
• Rural Sport (farm workers): Donovan Horne (cricket).
• Riaan Loots Award: Progress RFC.
• Federation: SWD Cricket Board.
• Administrator: Rudi Claassen (SWD Cricket).
• Coach: Jophnny Bisschoff (SWD Drummies).
• Team: SC u.19 Bowls Team.
• Most Promising Woman: Amore Slabbert (SWD Jukskei).
• Most Promising Sportman: Linden Rhode (SWD Rugby).
• Sportwoman (disability): Dot Smit (SWD Aquatics).
• Sportman (disability): Jaco Nel (SWD Cycling). About 300 guests and finalists crowded the hall with the theme "Olympics" to honour all the SWD and Southern Cape sport persons for 2011.

The function was supported by Eden DM, George Municipality and the Department of Cultural Affairs & Sport of the Western Cape.

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Billy Radloff, Southern Cape and Protea bowler, honoured with the Sportman of the Year trophy. With him is Johan Prinsloo, CEO of SWDS Eagles, who acted as guest speaker at the function.

ARTICLE: JANNIE MEYER, GEORGE HERALD JOURNALIST