It is that time of year again, when achievers are celebrated for their accomplishments in the annual Free State Sport Stars Awards, hosted by Central24 and the University of the Free State (UFS).
The awards, as originally organised by the Free State Sport Writer’s Association, were an annual institution since the 1950’s. On request, Volksbladtook over as host; and in 2022 Central24, Media24’s local newspaper team of which VrystaatKroon is a publication, in turn took up hosting the glamorous event along with the UFS.
Jeannine van Zyl, manager of Central24, says it is a privilege to be part of organising an event that makes a positive contribution to sport in the province.
The hosting of the event is made possible through sponsorships.
Through the years, some of the Free State’s great sportsmen and sportswomen have been honoured. These include Gary Player, Karen Muir, Morné du Plessis and Penny Heyns.
In 2022, Springbok rugby player Frans Steyn was named Sport Star of the Year, as well as Sportman of the Year. Upon receiving his award he acknowledged the value of recognising upcoming sporting talent, especially young sportsmen and sportswomen from the rural Free State. Through an event like this, young stars get the oppurtunity to meet their role models.
Mentorship and role models is the theme for the annual event.
Keep an eye on Central24’s titles in the Free State – Bloem News, Express, Vista and VrystaatKroon – for the announcement of the speaker for this year’s event, as well as the nominees.
News on the awards and the event will also appear in Volksbladon netwerk24.com.
The event will be held at Monte Bello in Bloemfontein on 12 October, starting at 18:00 for 18:30. Tickets cost R440, or R4 400 for a table of 10.
Call Ainslee Oosthuyse on 074-120-4450 to reserve tickets or for more information on the event, or send email to promos@spottedapple.co.za.
