SARLA Awards Banquet

The South African Rugby Legends Association hosted their annual awards banquet at the Sandton Sun on 30 April, a glitzy affair with hundreds of sporting personalities attending.

Master of ceremonies, Dan Nichol described the hall as littered with legends and it certainly was that with heroes from various sporting codes represented.

The awards congratulated those involved with the South African Rugby Legends Association for their service to the organization during the last year.

The list of awards are:

Admin person of the year: Kim Jackson and Danielle Crook
Most tries throughout the season: Jan Harm Van Wyk
Best Backline Player: Breyton Paulse
Best Forward: John Slade and Joe Beukes
Most Dedicated Legend: Mac Masina
Player of the Tour: Wayne Fyvie
Social Responsibility Award: Dale Sandton
Presidents Award: Joel Stransky

Former sharks and Springbok player, John Allan, CEO of the South African Rugby Legends Association explained, “I played for Scotland which was my father’s dream and then I had the privilege of playing for South Africa, which was my dream!” Reading from his childhood’s favourite poem, which details looking in a mirror and evaluating your life, Allan continued, “What matters in life is not what you bought but what you built or what you gave. It isn’t too late to choose a life that matters.”

That was the message that was portrayed throughout the evening. Making dreams possible and giving back to those that are less fortunate.

Following those footsteps of giving back, two more sporting Legend bodies were launched. The South African Soccer and Cricket Legends Associations both were given the platform to announce their intentions for South Africa. Former cricket’s all-rounder maestro, Mike Proctor reminisced about a fantastic game that he took part in in 1970, complementing the great Barry Richards. “It is South African Cricket Legends Association intention to give back to cricket. We would like to raise the profile of cricket in all communities at the amateur level of the game.” Comparing other countries where Legends are involved in the grass roots level, Procter mentioned that the Cricket Legends intended to bridge the gap between school, club and the professional game.

Former Provincial and Protea players are invited to get involved and can do so by contacting Dave Papenfus on dppapenfus@telkomsa.net or 083 232 3000.

Stan Whiting, who represented the South African Soccer Legends Association, was ecstatic at the honor of the launch of the new association leading up to such influential times for Africa in the largest global game. Modeled on the South African Rugby Legends, the soccer legends will inject new life into developing the soccer community.

Springbok Rugby Captain, John Smit stood up and stated that he was amazed how much passion filled the room. “The joy of giving is the best energy one can ask for. And being here tonight, the realization of giving by all of you has been inspiring. There is no such thing as an Ex-player, an Ex-Shark or an Ex-Springbok, there is only what we can call a Legend and that is what all of you are. Thank you for giving so much back to the game. Keep making rugby great!”

The number one public speaker in South Africa, ex–convict, author and motivational speaker, Gayton MacKenzie injected more enthusiasm when he stated, “This is a land of opportunity. Ask any international visitor how wonderful South Africa is, they will tell you what a great county we live in. And we are lucky that we have access to sport, which is the biggest unifier in the world.”

The evening saw several items being auctioned with a portion of the proceeds raised going to the Kirsty Watts Foundation. Daughter of TV personality Derek Watts, Kirsty (13) was diagnosed with a brain tumour. While in hospital she realised that all she wanted to do was give something back to the children less fortunate than her. This dream was given a boost with the financial assistance of the South African Rugby Legends Association auction.

In closing, John Allan stood in front of all his team mates and thanking them, said, “All of you in the room today, we love you! Well done for everything that you have done and are doing.”