MyPE

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And you thought that the accolade ‘Iron Lady’ applied only to Margaret Thatcher?

By

With reference to Kirsten Neuschäfer being named the country’s Sportswoman of the Year at the SA Sports Awards on Sunday night 5 May 2024:

As seen in this article: https://mype.co.za/sa-sailing-hails-gqeberhas-kirsten-neuschafer-for-another-well-deserved-accolade/

Allow me to highlight this comment from the President of SAS, Michael Robinson; “It is one thing to excel when the entire country is behind you and the grandstands are full of supporters and funding is unlimited. But when you are alone, sailing a boat YOU PREPARED AND FUNDED ALONE, and sailing it alone through some of the most inhospitable oceans without support – that is truly heroic!”

Lets unpack the comment for a bit:

  • Kirsten FINANCED the whole around the world race on her own steam.
  • She had no sponsors, no employer, no assistance from the Department of Sport, no assistance from South African Sailing, no financial assistance from any organised sporting body.
  • Kirsten only had one enthusiastic (unpaid) social media manager

Contrast that with the Rugby Players that were competing against her for this accolade:

  • They are paid to play, they get sponsors, they get government assistance and more.
  • They have a professional media machine supporting them

Yes, I am going to say it; “And Kirsten beat better funded MALE sportsmen HANDS DOWN to make this accolade even more remarkable!”

Sailing is seen as a Cinderella sport in South Africa (less than 10 000 registered participants) and, as such, receives no funding from the Department of Sport.

BUT

Let one of our sailors shine the spotlight on our incredible sailing achievements and the TROUGH FEEDERS gather pretending that they supported the sport all along!

The sport of sailing only exists through the efforts of sailors and administrators everywhere that support the sport financially and give up of their time to Serve, Sail and run Sailing Regattas.

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Alan Straton

Chief Cook, Bottle Washer and Broom Mechanic at MyPE
Passionate about Port Elizabeth and definitely NOT packing for Perth. Alan's ethos is epitomised in the words of Nelson Mandela; "I have fought against white domination and I have fought against black domination. I have cherished the idea of a democratic and free society. If need be, it is an ideal for which I am prepared to die." See more articles by Alan.