Swazi Observer

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LUCA SHINES THE BRIGHTEST

By JONGILE XUBA | 2024-03-29

SPORTS - A star is born.
Local swimmer Luca Fraser was named the 2023 Outstanding Sports Star of the Year during the fourth edition of the National Sports Awards held at The George Hotel in manzini yesterday.

The annual ceremony was held to honour of all the sports stars who performed well during the previous year under the various categories. The awards were hosted by the Eswatini Sports and Recreation Council (ESRC)

Fraser managed to get the award after an impressive showing last year, which saw him bring home 10 medals from all competitions he attended, including the African Aquatics Zone III Swimming Championships.

This also saw him take home the Outstanding junior sportsman award as the 13-year-old dominated the local swimming scene. He was awarded a cash prize for his efforts, a national colours blazer and a trophy for his efforts.

ESRC Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Darius Dlomo congratulated all the winners on the day, as he further said they had all been selected on merit.

“We would like to thank everyone who managed to join us for this auspicious occasion today as we honour our sportsmen and women. All the athletes who were selected today are credible and deserve to get their awards,” he said.

He went on to explain why they had not managed to award any of the senior sportswomen this year, after none of them managed to achieve any podium finishes in last year’s international tournaments.

Meanwhile, representing the prime minister during the event was Deputy Prime Minister Thuli Dladla. “I take this moment to congratulate all who have already won awards here this afternoon. Today’s occasion is about celebrating the best of what we have in Eswatini, a subject that is dear to my heart.

I am, therefore, delighted to be among you here this afternoon, celebrating the work, talent and service of emaswati,” he said.

The DPM went on to say sport had a key role to play in the development of the kingdom, and that sport was a key driver of patriotism and national identity. She said a few things had the power to unite the country and even the world in the way that sport could do.

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