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23 July 2007

Deputy Minister of Sport and Recreation in South Africa, Gert Oosthuizen, announced yesterday that in the spirit of African solidarity, South Africa, "stands ready to lend support to Zambia" as they prepare for the hosting of the next All Africa Games. Oosthuizen was speaking at Team South Africa's medal parade held in Algiers, Algeria yesterday. A multi-coded Team South Africa is in Algiers for the 9th All Africa Games (AAG) that end today.

Oosthuizen used the opportunity to thank Team South Africa for conducting themselves as true Ambassadors on and off the field of play. The Team, he said, "demonstrated the best aspects of inclusion by accepting athletes with and without a disability as simply athletes" thus "reinforcing the motto: South Africa, united in our diversity". Oosthuizen also commended the Team for co-operating with the Algerian security forces and not letting the need for tight security, make them deviate from the purpose they came to Algeria for.

The Deputy Minister registered his delight at seeing some of the 'smaller' sports such as sailing, cycling, and badminton, winning gold medals at the AAG. He appealed to the athletes who will retire after the AAG, to find ways of contributing the expertise and experience they have gained over the years, back into sport. To those who feel they could have done better, Oosthuizen made a call, to "take a break and re-commit yourselves to your sport."

Oosthuizen also thanked the Algerian nation for their hospitality.

Like Team South Africa, Oosthuizen departs Algiers tomorrow for South Africa.

Enquiries:
Manase Makwela
Cell: +213 554 302 92

Issued by: Sport and Recreation South Africa
23 July 2007
Source: Sport and Recreation South Africa (http://www.srsa.gov.za)