Address by MEC H J Mashamba at the send-off function for the Limpopo gymnaestrada

Programme Director, the Executive Mayor of Capricorn District Municipality � C M Monakedi. Ladies & gentlemen. All protocol observed.

You see in front of you tonight, a group of young people bursting with energy and excitement. These participants are being afforded the opportunity to see a country other than the one they know and to participate in one of the greatest events on the world sports calendar.

We can tell from their stellar performance they have worked hard for this moment and that they are eager to still work hard with the rest of the South African team, to truly contribute to this international showcase of talent at the 2007 World Gymnaestrada in Austria.

This event, being one of participation and not competition, means that these youths are now considered ambassadors of their respective communities, their province and their country. They will be carrying the flag high in Austria and they will be a true portrait of the youth of South Africa today. We are therefore more than confident to send this beautiful, talented group of young people abroad, to represent the Limpopo province.

At the gymnaestrada, the South African team will be performing in an exclusively South African evening show and the theme chosen for the South African evening is 'Simunye � we are one'. This is in line with the World Gymnaestrada's theme of 'Come together � be one.' Does this not also address directly the aspirations and hopes for South Africa's immediate future?

The theme is also more than appropriate, as it once again reverberates one unwavering fact that I have alluded to so often in the past that sport has been, and will continue to be, one of the main contributing factors to South Africa's social cohesion and unity. There are many examples of this in the recent history of our country and with more of these projects and the right support of our youth, I believe there will be even more examples in future.

Programme director, the success of Sport and Recreation's Siyadlala Mass Participation Programme is herewith further emphasised and the results of the programme can clearly be seen here tonight. Mass participation is the breeding ground for future talent and a significant success story for government, when it comes to unearthing talent in areas that have been previously overlooked. It is affording us the opportunity to witness true integration, it is integral in the uplifting of communities and key in reviving dormant talent and enthusiasm for sport.

In closing, Programme Director, I wish to congratulate all the parents who are with us tonight some of whom have travelled from afar to share this evening with us. I have no doubt that they are bursting with pride at their children's achievements.

I also implore the coaches, officials and managers accompanying them, to take this responsibility seriously and to give them all the support they will need. I wish you all a safe and enjoyable trip and leave you with this message from the International Federation of Gymnastics:

'Participants, you will be part of a spectacular that has no judges, no scores. No losers, only winners. Unity and recognition, instead of competition - A festival of getting together, friendship and solidarity in a marvellous and worldwide incomparable sports event.'

I thank you
Ke a leboga
Ndzi khensile
Ndo livhuwa
Shukran
Baie dankie

Issued by: Department of Sports, Arts and Culture, Limpopo Provincial Government
4 July 2007