2018 AGW PRESIDENT WELCOME SPEECH FOR SPORTS AWARD CEREMONY

2018 AGW PRESIDENT WELCOME SPEECH FOR SPORTS AWARD CEREMONY “If I have given my all and still do not win, i haven’t lost. others might remember winning or losing. I remember the journey.” - Apolo anton ohno -

Good evening Ladies and Gentlemen, our news media representatives, respected Chairpersons of Clubs, distinguished guests, AGW Board Members and their spouses, parents and our very talented athletes! Thank you for being here this evening to celebrate the achievements of our athletes in 2018.

This event truly showcases the commitment that all the athletes have shown towards the competitions held in 2018. To our athletes, you have shown commitment to your sport, your determination to excel and the pride you feel in representing this ASA Province. You have inspired all of us to rise above our challenges and pursue our dreams. Nobody can judge your wins and losses. Because your effort is between you and yourself. Nonetheless, your great efforts in competition at National level make us extremely proud to have you on our team.

Tonight, we are here to announce the winners of the main awards and also for applauding the victory of our commendable award recipients. A huge congratulations to all the finalists, you have definitely set a very admiring benchmark for other athletes of Athletics Griqualand West to imitate. We know that your achievements have not come without sacrifice. I hope you will continue to believe in yourself, harnessing your mental strength and physical abilities to overcome all odds and achieve personal breakthroughs. To the younger athletes – I hope you will use tonight’s recognition for even greater achievements in the years to come.

On behalf of the Organizing Committee, I would also like to take this opportunity to acknowledge the efforts of our esteemed board members, running clubs and specially the Coaches for making this day special for all those who strive for sporting excellence. Indeed, the pursuit of sporting excellence is a huge team effort with many partners playing important roles in the success of our athletes. I would like to thank each and every one of you for your tireless efforts. A special acknowledgement to the parents for supporting you child on this sporting journey. The making of a champion requires steadfast support from you and we hope to walk this journey with your commitment, even after they have graduated from School.

I would also like to acknowledge the news media representatives from the Diamond Fields Advertiser and Noordkaap Koerant. The printed media have enabled us to showcase our athlete’s performances and allowed the running community to be recognized as a priority code among other sporting codes. Together we can leverage our expertise in different areas, as we strive for sustained sporting success in helping our athletes fulfil their aspirations and fly the Athletics Griqualand West flag. Thank you very much!

I would also like to express my gratitude towards the organizing committee members who have fulfilled their duties quite well; did not fail to justify their roles and took all the loads of work with a smile. Any accomplishment requires the effort of many people and this event is no different. I believe that the success of an individual or organization, depends on the quality of the people.

I also want to thank all the athletes, volunteers, family and friends for making this sports award ceremony happen on such short notice and at such a grand level. In the end, I would like to address those participants who even though they have not won any of the awards but still put up a great show in the competition.

Rob Bell, told us a story about a cheetah and a DOG. Stay with me…this is a story worth sharing. There’s a cheetah run at the San Diego Wildlife Park. It’s a long stretch of grass, a straight track more or less, fenced on both sides for spectators. A toy is attached to a tether. The tether is dragged down the track at top speed. But then a DOG chases it. A limbering, smiling, happy, not-as-fast-as-a-cheetah DOG chasing a toy down this track. He’s happy as hell. And so slow as can be. Then it’s the cheetah’s turn. And it is beauty in motion. An amazing vision. A blur of fur and spots. But the DOG.

That happy, drooling DOG… That nobody came to see, smiling the entire time, happy to be alive, tongue out, tail wagging, slow as can be DOG…………………..WON!

The hearts of everybody Not with some rare display of grace, or speed. But because this DOG. This normal, domesticated creature we see and live with every day. Went out there running as fast as he could the best he could and was happy to do it and was happy with it.

And that resonates with a lot of us because we all can’t or won’t do spectacular things, we’re not going to “win” all the things people think we should win. But let me encouraged you… Your best…will always be enough…will always be impressive…no matter what other people may think.

So, go do something unapologetically amazing, because you know what you want to achieve, know what is required to do so, and then deliver. “It’s not whether you get knocked down; it’s whether you get up.” Vince Lombardi

What is your focus for 2019 Become a digger for GOLD! When you go looking for GOLD, you have to move tons of dirt to get to an ounce of GOLD. But when you go looking, you don’t go looking for the dirt, you go looking for the GOLD. Dream beyond what is possible. Everything that we see tonight was a dream before it became reality. Live with enthusiasm, direction and with a sense of purpose.

Conclusion: Finally, my warmest congratulations once again to all award nominees. I wish you the very best as you continue in your journey for sporting excellence. The future looks bright for all of you – and we will continue to cheer you on as One Team, Athletics Griqualand West. “The Lord makes us as a city on a mountain that can not be hidden.” (Matt 5:14)

Thank you, and enjoy the rest of the evening! Theo Senekal Snr. AGW President

The End!

2018 AGW PRESIDENT WELCOME SPEECH FOR SPORTS AWARD CEREMONY