"Sport is an opportunity to positively affect the lives of young South Africans and with the additional financial support provided through the awards, we look forward to seeing these projects nurture and develop our youth and sporting talent into the future." Henry Laas, Group Chief Executive

Murray & Roberts, in partnership with the South African Sports Confederation and Olympic Committee (SASCOC), presented the 33rd annual Jack Cheetham Memorial and Letsema Awards at a gala event held in Sandton.

The Diepsloot Mountain Bike Academy was awarded the Jack Cheetham Memorial Award, for able-bodied sports development projects, and the Letsema Award for sporting projects for disabled athletes, went to Free State Sports Association for the Physically Disabled and Visually Impaired (FSSAPD). Both projects receive R500 000 payable over five years.

Runner up in the Jack Cheetham Award went to Olympians Wrestling Academy, with Lifesaving South Africa taking third place. In the Letsema category, runner up went to Flairs Gymnastics Club, Thembalethu School Project and third place was awarded to Metro Eagles Sports Club.

Runners up in each category receive R150 000 over three years, while third place winners receive R75 000 for the same period.

During 2014, athletes from the academy were selected to represent South Africa at the African Youth Games in Botswana, the Youth Olympic Games in Hong Kong and they also attended the 2014 UCI MTB World Championship in Norway.

OPPORTUNITIES FOR THE YOUTH OF DIEPSLOOT

DIEPSLOOT MOUNTAIN BIKE ACADEMY
The Diepsloot Mountain Bike Academy provides opportunities for the youth of Diepsloot through sports development and empowerment programmes to enable them to become active participants in the social upliftment of their community.

The long-term vision of the academy is to develop each athlete into a well-rounded and skilled individual who is able to earn sustainable income and provide for their family.

ENABLING CHILDREN WITH DISABILITIES TO EXCEL

FREE STATE SPORTS ASSOCIATION FOR THE PHYSICALLY DISABLED AND VISUALLY IMPAIRED
The association was established with the aim of supporting children with disabilities to access and excel across a variety of sporting codes including athletics, boccia, para-cycling, goal ball, swimming and cerebral palsy soccer.

Most of the children come from disadvantaged communities and are identified through partnerships with schools for learners with special needs. The association provides an opportunity for disabled athletes to participate in sport nationally and internationally. Athletes from the association have been included in the Free State Sports Institute high performance programme with one athlete in the SASCOC Operation Excellence programme.

THE AWARDS

The Jack Cheetham Memorial Award was initiated by Murray & Roberts 33 years ago, in conjunction with the Johannesburg Sportsman’s Club and in recognition of the special qualities of Jack Cheetham, a former director of the company and inspirational captain of the South African cricket team in the 1950s.

The awards are now undertaken in partnership with SASCOC. The award targets sports development projects, focusing on individuals or teams that have the potential to be champions.

The Murray & Roberts Letsema Award was initiated in 2009, following the outstanding performance of athlete Hilton Langenhoven who captured the attention of the world at the 2008 Paralympics in Beijing. The award recognises sports development projects for people with disabilities.

For more information on the awards and finalists please visit www.jclawards.co.za.
Contact awardsinfo@murrob.com to nominate deserving sports development projects.