Latest News Archive
Please select Category, Year, and then Month to display items
24 September 2024
|
Story Aimée Barlow
|
Photo Supplied
Louzanne Coetzee, who made history by clinching South Africa’s second medal at the Paralympics, earning a bronze in the T11 1 500 m women’s final with a personal best time, received a warm reception when she recently returned home.
The celebrated Paralympic bronze medallist Louzanne Coetzee returned home to a warm welcome at the Bram Fischer International Airport on 10 September 2024.
Family, friends, colleagues, Arista students, and media gathered to celebrate her remarkable achievement and show their support.
Coetzee – KovsieSport Coordinator of Parasport at the University of the Free State (UFS) – made history by clinching South Africa’s second medal at the Paralympics, earning a bronze in the T11 1 500 m women’s final with a personal best time. Her dedication and hard work have not only brought her personal glory but have also inspired many in her community.
Among those present to welcome her was Jerry Laka, Director of KovsieSport, who expressed his pride in Coetzee’s accomplishments.
"We as KovsieSport are so proud of our colleague Coetzee. It is amazing to see a product of KovsieSport achieving greatness on the world stage. She is truly an inspiration to us all," said Laka.
“I am so glad to be back, and to have Laka and my colleagues here. It means the world to me. Having Laka here shows his commitment to my career and ParaSport and his staff in general,” shared Coetzee, her gratitude evident.
She further expressed her appreciation for the support she received, stating, “I don’t have the words to describe how thankful I am for the support from the UFS community.”
Coetzee’s return is a proud moment for South Africa and the University of the Free State (UFS) community. Welcome home, Louzanne! Your achievements have made us all proud!
UFS honours more than 250 former students with national colours in sport
2007-11-01
The Kovsie Alumni Trust of the University of the Free State (UFS) will be honouring more than 250 former students who obtained national colours in various sporting codes over the years during a gala dinner on Saturday, 3 November 2007 on the Main Campus in Bloemfontein.
This will be the first time in the history of the UFS that so many sportsmen and women who studied at the UFS will be honoured for their achievements at the same time.
During Saturday’s dinner 100 of the 250 former students will be present to receive their special awards. This includes among others Springbok rugby players such as the brothers Eben and Joggie Jansen, Nelie Smit, Edrich Krantz, Theuns Stofberg, Jannie du Plessis, Meyer Bosman and Hendro Scholtz. Some of the sport stars in other sporting codes who will also be present include Hennie Pretorius for athletics; Stephen Brink and Heinrich Brüssow for Sevens Rugby; Frans Botma for under water hockey; Hannette Bruwer and Annarie Store for netball; Annette Bekker for hockey and Corrie van Zyl and Gerhardus Liebenberg for cricket.
Special mention will also be given to the first sportsman and woman at the UFS, namely Joggie Jansen and Annette Bekker.
During the ceremony the tenth year of the Kovsie Alumni Trust’s existence will also be celebrated. The Trust, who is the main sponsor of the Matriculant of the Year Award, offers financial aid to many underprivileged and disabled students to help them complete their studies and supplies bursaries to prospective students.
The awards will be handed over by Mr Harold Verster, President of the Free State Rugby Union, and Danie Niehaus will be the guest artist.
Media Release
Issued by: Lacea Loader
Assistant Director: Media Liaison
Tel: 051 401 2584
Cell: 083 645 2454
E-mail: loaderl.stg@ufs.ac.za
31 October 2007