On Friday 30th January 2009, an award ceremony was held in the Aberdeen Secondary School for sporting achievements in 2008.This event was organized by the Sport, Arts and Culture Committee of Ward One Aberdeen, and the Programme Director was Mr. Desmond Coetzee.
This ceremony was attended by Mayor Daantjie Jaftha, by Mr T.D. Desha an ex-Deputy Mayor of Aberdeen, by Mr Pannies from the Department of Education, and by the Ward One Councilors of Aberdeen.
Schools receiving sports awards were Kamdebo Primary School, Luxolo Primary, Aberdeen Primary and Aberdeen High School.
Clubs who were present to receive awards were Everton Soccer Club, and Aberdeen Rugby Club.
The guest speakers of the evening, gave motivational talks on education and the importance of sport in today’s society, and explained to the learners receiving awards, that sport had now become an important profession. Talent and hard work could achieve great heights for any and all sports. Motivation and discipline was needed, and Mr. Pannies was impressed that a Springbok rugby player had come from Aberdeen, and had achieved these great heights.
This rugby player was the Sportsperson of the Year, Saloma Booysen who was presently in training in Port Elizabeth, for the 2009 Seven’s World Cup to be played in Dubai. Saloma is Captain of this team. In an article printed in the Advertiser in 2008, Saloma was given full recognition for all her achievements. Entertainment for the ceremony was by the New Apostolic Church Orchestra, and a modern dance was performed by learners of the Kamdebo Primary School.
