Olympic Spirit
Photo Credit: Zareena Gaibee

Zareena Gaibee got the chance to meet South African Minister of Sports, Arts, and Culture, Gayton McKenzie, and he shared the Olympic Spirit in a speech for Team South Africa.

 

Paris, France (26 July 2024) – Today marks the official commencement of the Olympic Games, highlighted by the vibrant opening ceremony. As the world watches eagerly, athletes from across the globe look to display their dedication and skills. In the spirit of unity, the South African Minister of Sports, Arts, and Culture, Gayton McKenzie, currently in France as part of South Africa’s delegation, spoke at Ekhaya—South Africa’s home away from home. He highlighted the unique spirit of South Africa and the importance of integrity in sports.

A Journey of Dedication and Pride

Minister McKenzie reflected on the remarkable journey of South African athletes, noting, “Our journey has been about planting trees under whose shade future generations will sit. Today, we honour those who have paved the way, ensuring our athletes receive the support and recognition they deserve.” He also shared valuable lessons from France about fostering a welcoming and safe environment. “The approachability of law enforcement in France has made a significant difference,” he observed, suggesting that South Africa should aim for a similar environment where every citizen feels secure and valued.

A Message of Integrity and Inspiration

Minister McKenzie’s speech took a poignant turn as he discussed personal integrity, referencing Dale Wimbrow’s poem “The Man in the Glass.” He stressed, “True judgement comes from within. Cheating oneself of genuine effort leads to hollow victories,” underlining the importance of staying true to oneself, regardless of external accolades. “It’s about the journey, the effort, and the heart we put into our endeavours,” he stated. His speech echoed this sentiment and left a lasting impact, reminding everyone that true success comes from being honest with oneself and giving their best. He emphasised the significance of participation over winning medals, urging athletes to acknowledge the achievement of simply being at the games.

Earlier in the week, I spoke with France’s Minister of Sport, Amélie Oudéa-Castéra, who, coming from a tennis background, emphasised her commitment to understanding and supporting all sports. She advised newcomers to the Olympics to “keep an open mind and watch the games with someone knowledgeable.” Although this isn’t always possible, Minister McKenzie, whose current favourite sport is pool, highlighted that South Africa has a newly crowned world champion in Tasneem Solomons. If you can’t find a knowledgeable person to watch with, he suggests Googling and just spending time appreciating their achievements by trying to understand them.

A True Celebration

The event was further enhanced by a performance from Mi Casa, whose music perfectly complemented the uplifting speeches, reinforcing a sense of unity and celebration among the athletes, dignitaries, and the local community. Jay Something, who is always a delight, took time between songs to remind the team that there is always tomorrow, but some days you happen to do great things and then the next day comes.

The Games’ official opening ceremony starts at 19:30 today, but regardless of the medal count, the true victory lies in the spirit of competition and the relentless pursuit of excellence by our athletes. Let’s celebrate the Olympic spirit and cherish the remarkable journey of every participant. Let us celebrate those in our lives and communities who do hard things with exceptional grace and always look to celebrate their greatness.

PS. Minister McKenzie thinks I am cool.


Zareena Gaibee will be on the ground in Paris for the 2024 Olympics and Paralympics events, sharing her take on the prestigious sporting event, giving exclusive insights into life at the games, and hopefully meeting many of the South Africans in Paris who are competing and supporting. She will be reporting her findings for Good Things Guy, giving readers a glimpse of what flying the flag in Paris is all about.

You can follow her series via Good Things Guy here.

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Sources: Zareena Gaibee
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