EDEN NEWS - In a deeply moving moment at the Eden Sport Awards, on what would have been his 47th birthday, the late rugby player, Bevin Fortuin, was awarded a certificate for the Eden Sport Council's Honour Roll.
The Roll of Honour recognises outstanding sportsmen and -women from the Eden region, posthumously, through certificates presented to their families. This was one of the most memorable moments of the evening, held at the Pacaltsdorp Civic Centre last Friday, 6 February.
Fortuin's wife, Lamees, and 13-year-old son, Aaron-James, received the award on his behalf. The family left shortly thereafter as emotions ran high.
Hosted annually by the Eden Sport Council, the awards are regarded as one of the region's premier sporting events, celebrating administrators, leaders and athletes for their achievements during 2025.
Group Editors also had reason to celebrate on the night, as two of its journalists received top honours. Louise Mouton of Oudtshoorn Courant won the category for sports media journalist of the year, while Johan Victor of South Cape Forum was announced as the runner-up.
Hoër Landbouskool Oakdale walked away with a double victory, winning youth/junior sports team of the year for the Oakdale 560kg tug-of-war team, as well as sports team of the year.
Delivering a message of support, mayor Browen Johnson referred to the theme of the evening, 'Excellence in Motion'. He emphasised that sport is not only about winning medals, but also about perseverance and character-building. "Sport gives life to our towns," he said.
Johnson referred to the Roll of Honour Awards as a beacon of inspiration for all.
According to Braam America, vice chairperson of the Eden Sport Council, the awards cover the entire Eden region, from Heidelberg and Stilbaai to Plettenberg Bay, De Rust and Kannaland. This year, 140 nominations across 20 categories were received.
The evening's guest speaker was Tiaan Pretorius, former Springbok Sevens player and 2024 Olympic medallist, who is set to represent SWD Rugby in the 2026 season.
Winners and categories
Sport administrator of the year:
- Micheal Eksteen
Recreation body of the year:
- The Impowrd Program
Sport volunteer of the year:
- Celina May Arries
School sportsman of the year:
- Enathi Khitshini
School sportswoman of the year:
- Mia Botha
Youth/junior sports star of the year:
- Frederick Botha
Youth/junior sports team of the year:
- Oakdale 560kg tug-of-war team
Sports visual journalist of the year:
- Christo Vermaak
Sports media journalist of the year:
- Louise Mouton
Technical official of the year:
- Kerrin Klaaste
District federation of the year:
- Eden Cycling
Sports team of the year:
- Oakdale 560kg tug-of-war team
Coach of the year:
- Piet Lourens
Sportswoman of the year with a disability:
- Minke Janse van Rensburg
Sportsman of the year with a disability:
- Tiaan Terblanche
Sportswoman of the year:
- Annerie Dercksen
Sportsman of the year:
- Damon Terblanche.
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