The African Union Sports Council Region 5 (Southern Africa) held their inaugural Regional Awards in South Africa over the weekend and swimming was the big winner of the night, walking away with four key awards.
Photo Credits – Calvyn Justice Facebook
Swimming South Africa’s National Head Coach, Graham Hill, received the Coach of the Year honour at the ceremony, which is aimed at recognizing athletes, coaches and sports confederations from Southern Africa.
Botswana’s 19 year old Olympic hopeful, Naomi Ruele won the Junior Sportswoman of the Year for her outstanding performances in major global events, as well as her time and technique improvement.
Ruele, who is on a FINA Scholarship in Miami, was also awarded the Swimmer of the Year from the Florida International University after breaking the 50m freestyle record at the NCAA Swimming Championships in the USA in March this year.
Veteran Olympian Kirsty Coventry (Zimbabwe) took home the Sportswoman of the Year, while Southern African Swimming Confederation (CANA Zone IV) claimed the Sports Confederation of the Year award.
Southern Africa swimming has seen phenomenal growth over the past few years, with 6 countries achieving qualifying times for Rio 2016, compared to the 2 from London 2012.
SOURCE – SWIMMING SA
