GARDEN ROUTE NEWS -  Sporting talent from the Eden district was in the spotlight on Saturday 28 February when the winners of the 2025 Western Cape Sport Awards were announced at a ceremony in Paarl, hosted by the Western Cape Department of Cultural Affairs and Sport.

Several athletes and sporting structures from the Eden district earned top provincial honours.

Annerie Dercksen was named Sportswoman of the Year, while the Oakdale 560kg Tug of War Team received the award for Team of the Year. 

Mia Botha was recognised as Schools Sportswoman of the Year, and Minke Janse Van Rensburg earned the title Sportswoman of the Year with a Disability.

In addition, Eden Cycling was awarded District Federation of the Year, while Louis Massyn received the Ministerial Commendation Award for his contribution to sport.

Among the overall provincial winners were Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu (Sportsman of the Year) and Ruehan Van Romburgh (Coach of the Year).

Earlier this year, six district awards ceremonies were held across the province to recognise excellence at grassroots and regional level, with provincial winners now set to be nominated for the national sport awards.

Provincial Minister of Cultural Affairs and Sport, Ricardo Mackenzie, said the awards highlight the province’s continued sporting excellence.

“The Western Cape has consistently produced top performing athletes, coaches and administrators who are committed to the growth of sport in our province. 

"They are the role models who inspire others to pursue their sporting dreams and who help us create an active and healthy province. Congratulations to all the winners and nominees and thank you for all that you do in confirming the Western Cape as the sporting hub of our country,” he said.

The strong showing by Eden athletes reflects the district’s growing contribution to provincial sport across school, club and elite levels.

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