01 Aug WATCH | WPA Honours Excellence at Annual Awards Ceremony
By Adnaan Mohamed
Western Province Athletics (WPA) hosted its dazzling Annual Awards Ceremony on Thursday, 31 July 2025, at the Islamia College Hall in Lansdowne, Cape Town. The atmosphere buzzed with energy as a proud athletics community gathered to celebrate a year marked by grit, growth, and gold.
With a warm welcome to honoured guests, club representatives and supporters, WPA President Farouk Meyer set the tone for an evening that recognised more than just podium finishes. This was a celebration of those who, like front-runners in a marathon, pushed boundaries, set the rhythm, and inspired others to chase greatness.
“Tonight marks more than just an awards event,” Meyer said.
“It’s a celebration of resilience, excellence, and the incredible growth of athletics in our province. For the first time since the pandemic disrupted our routines and gatherings, we come together to applaud those who stood out, stepped up, and made us proud on the national stage.”
And indeed, the statistics speak volumes. In 2024, Western Province athletes brought home an impressive haul of medals from national competitions across multiple disciplines:
- ASA Junior Track & Field Championships: 8 gold, 4 silver, 4 bronze
- ASA Senior Track & Field Championships: 6 gold, 2 silver, 9 bronze
- Cross Country Nationals: 2 gold, 4 bronze
- SA 10km Road Championships: 1 gold, 3 silver, 2 bronze
- 21.1km Half Marathon Championships: 2 gold, 1 bronze
- 42.2km Marathon Championships: 1 silver, 1 bronze
“To all our medal winners—we salute you,” said Meyer. “Your achievements are not only personal victories, but triumphs for the entire WPA family. You’ve shown that with commitment and support, Western Province athletes can rise to the top and shine on any national platform.”
The night also highlighted the emergence of a new generation of athletes lighting up the Western Cape—young, hungry, and brimming with talent across track, road, cross country and race walking.
“The energy and talent being displayed is truly inspiring,” Meyer continued.
“But to keep the momentum alive, we need everyone—clubs, coaches, parents, sponsors—to stay invested. We must continue creating safe, supportive spaces where talent can thrive.”
He also paid tribute to the often-unsung heroes of the sport.
“To our coaches, thank you for your tireless work in developing the next generation of champions.
“To our technical officials, thank you for ensuring events are fair, accurate and on time.”To our parents and communities—your encouragement is the foundation of every athlete’s journey.
“To our sponsors and partners—thank you for believing in our vision and continuing to walk this road with us.”
Special thanks were extended to the City of Cape Town, the Department of Cultural Affairs and Sport, and hydration partner Peninsula Beverages, the proud sponsor of WPA’s League Events.
In closing, Meyer reminded the audience that every award handed out was more than just a trophy.
“Each one is a baton—a symbol of legacy, progress and purpose,” he said. “It’s now up to all of us to carry that baton forward.”
As the lights dimmed on a night of celebration, one thing was clear: each award handed out was less a trophy and more a baton—a symbol of the legacy that must now be carried forward.
CLICK HERE FOR A FULL LIST OF WPA AWARD WINNERS
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