Glamorous events like the upcoming Free State Sport Star of the Year awards ceremony do not solely exist to single out individuals, but rather to raise a glass to sport and celebrate the growth and progression thereof within the province.
According to Vanes-Mari du Toit, former Protea netball player, opportunities like these should be used to bring sports people together and add greater value to the “bigger picture” of the sports world.
“Getting that pat on the back and realising that whatever it is you are doing – be it as a player, coach, or official – appears to prove you are on the right path, brings so much joy and makes it all worthwhile.”
Du Toit will be the master of ceremonies at this year’s Free State Sport Star of the Year gala event.
“I am eager to visit Bloemfontein again for the event. It is always a glamorous affair with many highlights,” she says.
“As a sportsman or sportswoman, you usually stick with your tracksuits or activewear and stress over a match or tournament.
“At these gatherings, you have the opportunity of seeing the athletes in a different light and seeing another side to someone’s personality.”
Du Toit is of the opinion that such a gala dinner is the ideal event to pay tribute to and celebrate sports accomplishments within the Free State, regardless of who the announced winners are.
“When these sportsmen and sportswomen of note gather, the rest of the province may look on with pride and say: ‘Here, sports walked away as the victor,’ ” Du Toit notes.
As a sportswoman affiliated with the University of the Free State (UFS) for quite some time, Du Toit has attended the gala dinner on two occasions. In 2022 she was invited as the guest speaker, whereas this year she intends to lead the programme.
“I have a different role in the proceedings every time I attend. It is great fun.”
She adds that it is also a great pleasure to witness how far the different types of sports have come, and how well they are faring in the Free State.
“That is something to be proud of, which is worth celebrating.”
Du Toit admits to, throughout her career in sports, never paying much attention to prize-giving ceremonies.
“I have always been a team player and strived towards having the team, province, country, university, or school I represent perform at its best. Naturally, I did not just play sports for the mere enjoyment of it, I wanted to win. But one does not work hard at the beginning of the year simply to be rewarded at the end with a prize.”
In 2009, she was recognised for her hard work as part of the Kovsies netball team and was awarded the Junior Sportswoman of the Year title.
She describes 2009 as a challenging year, and although she did not set out to win any prizes, the award nomination felt like a pat on the back. Du Toit needed to confirm that she was “doing good and should continue doing so”.
According to Du Toit, this is how awards should be regarded: as proof that all your hard work – even if completed months prior – as player, coach, or official of a sports team has not gone unnoticed, and that you have decided on the right path. Awards should always acknowledge and fuel the greater goal, she believes. This year’s Free State Sport Star of the Year awards ceremony will be held at the Monte Bello Estate outside Bloemfontein on Thursday, 3 October. Joining Du Toit for the evening, as guest speaker, will be rugby referee Jaco Peyper. In collaboration with Central24, the function is organised by KovsieSport of the UFS. Sportsmen and sportswomen of both school and senior level will not only contend with one another in the numerous categories, but will also be honoured for their hard work, discipline, and accomplishments in their respective disciplines.
Read the latest news concerning this year’s nominations and other information pertaining the gala dinner’s proceedings in Central24’s BloemNews, BloemExpress, Vista and VrystaatKroon community newspapers. The event is scheduled to start at 18:00 for 18:30, with tickets sold at R460, or R4 600 for a group of ten. For bookings or more information, call Ainslee Oosthuyen on 074-120-4450. Standard Bank is the main sponsor of the event.
