GKF awards evening was held Saturday evening at the Libanon Rec Club Glenharvie, Westonaria. This prestigious evening event honoured our top athletes in Gauteng Province. With more than 250 guests we had a three course dinner, live dancers, the GKF executive board members, VIP guests, of which sensei Eugene and Sandy was amongst them, and of course all our athletes.

It was overwhelming to see all athletes in one room, most dressed up for the evening and others dressed up in their green and gold. Some were our rivals once but soon we united as one team representing our Province with pride.

From west to east, north to south, Gauteng encompasses a world where everything is available. Although the smallest province in South Africa, the City of Gold did extremely well in their boundaries and therefore achieved the most medals in the country; especially gold medals.

Our Gauteng Karate President, Mr Kruben Pillay, opened the ceremony by congratulating all the athletes who have worked hard, persevered and achieved. Our honourable guest, Secretary General (CEO) at Gauteng Sports Confederation not only honoured the athletes but also stated the importance of keeping all our achievements as it will benefit us one day when applying for employment or even to get admittance at University. He also mentioned that Gauteng is the first Province who got approval for our sport places in the country, signed, approved and published on Sports data by the Minister of Sport. Soon the rest of the Provinces will follow.

He also explained how hard our Gauteng Karate President, Mr Kruben Pillay works behind the scenes to promote karate in South Africa.

Amongst those who qualified in Solis Ortus, four of our athletes namely Thirq du Preez, Savannah Hauser, Lilian Mynhardt and Heilethe Calitz were there to receive awards.  We as athletes, feel extremely proud and honoured to have achieved our rankings, and want to thank our Sensei for his time, effort and dedication he invested in us to enable us believing in ourselves and therefore reaped our rewards.

“Respect is earned.

Honesty is appreciated.

Trust is gained.

Loyalty is returned.”

HpLyrikz.com

Written by: Heilethe Calitz