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28 March 2022 | Story Jóhann Thormählen | Photo Supplied
Rassie Erasmus en Jacques Nienaber
A few Kovsies were winners at the South African Sports Awards. Rassie Erasmus (Coach of the Year) were among the current and former Kovsies honoured. Pictured here with Jacques Nienaber, Springbok Head Coach.

The influence of the University of the Free State (UFS) on the South African sporting landscape and the world stage is outstanding.

DB Prinsloo, Director of KovsieSport, says this was emphasised when a few Kovsies were among the winners at the South African Sports Awards held on 12 March 2022.

According to him, this is testament to the contribution that the university makes on a daily basis in the careers of sportsmen and -women.

The UFS shared in the spoils at the 15th version of the awards in Durban as former Shimla Rassie Erasmus was named Coach of the Year, while Miné de Klerk was the Newcomer of the Year. The young athlete, who is studying in America, is a member of the Kovsie Athletics Club.

The UFS also had a hand in the Team of the Year award, which went to the Springboks. Many former Kovsies are involved with the team.

Hard work pays off

“We are very proud of administrators, sportsmen and -women who excel in this way,” says Prinsloo.

“It is a reward to the individuals and teams for their infinite determination and focused hard work.”

He says it shows the university’s impact to the rest of the country. “The hours, days, months, and years of hard work have paid off.”

Erasmus is South Africa’s Director of Rugby and was the 45th Springbok produced by the UFS. He helped the Boks achieve success in 2021, including a series victory over the British and Irish Lions.

De Klerk won gold (shot put) and silver (discus) medals at the World Athletics U20 Championships last year.

Erasmus, Jacques Nienaber (Head Coach), and Daan Human (Scrum Coach) are all former Kovsies and part of the Springbok management, while the former Shimla, Ox Nché, plays for South Africa.

Attracting prospective students

Another Kovsie, Louzanne Coetzee (T11), was nominated for a SA Sports Award. 

The UFS Akasia Residence Head won silver (T11; 1 500 m) and bronze (T12; marathon) medals at the Paralympics.
She and her guides, Estean Badenhorst and Claus Kempen, were nominated for Sportswoman of the Year with a Disability. The sprinter Anruné Weyers (T47) took the honours.

Prinsloo says these achievements have an impact on prospective students. 

“Through this, they are made aware of the contribution that the UFS and KovsieSport make, and its attitude towards sport and the promotion thereof.”
Mine de Klerk

(Miné de Klerk was named Newcomer of the Year at 2022 SA Sports Awards. Photo: Dan Vernon (World Athletics

News Archive

Kovsies queue to know their HIV status
2012-05-12

 

Kovsie staff member Alzena Brink was one of the thousands who were tested for HIV during the “First Things First” HIV testing campaign.

Photo: Amanda Tongha

Thousands of students and staff from the Bloemfontein and Qwaqwa Campuses made use of testing booths to determine their HIV status last week. Testing booths were set up on the two campuses as part of an HIV testing campaign.

The “First Things First” HIV testing campaign kicked off on the Bloemfontein Campus on Monday 16 April 2012 with students and staff queuing to find out their HIV status. The Qwaqwa Campus started their campaign on Wednesday 17 April 2012. The South Campus started its campaign on 24 April 2012.

The testing campaign is a national initiative and forms part of the Higher Education HIV/Aids Programme run by Higher Education South Africa (HESA).

Tarryn Nell, HIV Prevention Programme Officer at the university’s HIV/Aids Office, said close to 2 000 Kovsies were tested for HIV last week. “We hope to continue to test, making knowing your status a norm and part of culture.”
- Amanda Tongha
 

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