Looking back at a year of sporting triumph
Another action-packed year has come to an end with the Athlone News being at the forefront - at the courtside, ringside and side of the field - of keeping readers informed and entertained.
As is tradition at this time of year, we take a moment to reflect on the highlights and challenges of the past 12 months - the celebrations, achievements and calls to action.
The saying “It’s more than just a game” - familiar to football lovers - rings more true than ever. We saw this in action during the Football 4 Humanity exhibition at Athlone Stadium, where SAFA Cape Town hosted the Palestine national team for a series of friendly matches in February.
Cape Town’s passionate crowds turned out in full support, as the games featured the Western Cape XI and the SA Invitational team.
Athlone Stadium continues to be a home for young football talent, with events like the Coke Cup drawing massive crowds from surrounding communities. It was a special year for Hanover Park’s U-18 side, who made it to the final in what could be considered home turf, only to be narrowly defeated by Antalyaspor JPM on October 26.
Still on the football front, it’s also worth acknowledging Rygate Local Football Association, which celebrated a century of existence in December 6. Having survived some of the toughest times in the country’s history, Rygate LFA looks poised for a bright future under their strong leadership.
Football wasn’t the only sport bringing pride to our readers. Bonteheuwel’s Boundary Table Tennis Club returned from the national championships with a haul of medals on October 5, staking their claim to the status of being one of the province's best.
Among the club’s top achievers were 11-year-old Tamika van As, who won gold in the girls’ under-13 doubles and mixed doubles, and the Dadaker siblings, Sameena, Mohammed, and Zaeem who dominated their respective divisions.
Boxing, too, had its moment of glory. Too many times we focus only on the pugilist in the ring but many more people have dedicated their time to make the sport what it is today.
Bonteheuwel’s Frederick van der Ross was recognised with a long-service award from Boxing South Africa for his invaluable contribution to Western Cape boxing back in October.
At 85 years old, it’s nearly impossible to miss him at local boxing events and his dedication continues to inspire many in the sport.
Still within combat sport but in the world of mixed martial arts, two brothers from Athlone, Umar and Yasin Edwards, made their mark at the IMMAF Africa Youth Championships in Windhoek, Namibia. in May.
Umar brought home a silver medal while Yasin earned bronze, contributing to Team SA's success at the prestigious event. With stars like Dricus du Plessis putting South Africa on the global MMA map, the future looks bright for these young fighters from Athlone and others from the surrounding areas.
Bonteheuwel had even more to celebrate with Tasneem Solomon, who made history by becoming the World Eightball Pool Federation (WEPF) Ultimate Pool Women's Singles Champion in June. Her victory against former world champion Kirsty-Lee Davies from Wales in Blackpool, England, made Solomon the first South African to claim the title, a remarkable achievement that has placed her and her community on the global map.
As we close the chapter on this year, we acknowledge that every achievement, no matter the size, is worth celebrating. The new year brings with it even greater promise and we can’t wait to see how our sporting heroes and heroines continue to raise the bar and inspire others.
Cheers to another year of exceptional sporting moments ahead.