Bambisanani Awards remember Jordan in South Africa
The tragic death of professional footballer Jordan Sinnott almost two years ago touched the heart of the nation. The amazing Sinnott 25 football shirt campaign saw an outpouring of grief and love with over 850 shirts donated from more than 35 countries.
These shirts have since found homes with some of the most disadvantaged children in the world.
Whilst at St. Mary’s School, Menston, and even after leaving, Jordan was a big supporter of the Bambisanani Partnership; the school’s work in South Africa using sport to change lives. It was here that he worked closely with David Geldart who founded the partnership and also where he had met teacher William Vilakazi who was visiting from South Africa. William is now Principal of Vumanhlamvu Primary School in rural KwaZulu-Natal. Last year William’s school, in conjunction with The Bambisanani Partnership introduced two sports awards in memory of Jordan: the Jordan Sinnott Sportsman and Sportswomen of the Year Awards. This year, a third award has been added: Sports Leader of the Year.
William Vilakazi said, “We were deeply touched by Jordan Sinnott' s tragic death. I simply cannot imagine the devastating impact on his family and friends. We will always put them in our prayers at Vumanhlamvu Primary School. Through the Bambisanani Awards, introduced last year in Jordan’s name, we remember a great sportsman and a great person; his spirit still lives on. The Jordan Sinnott awards have become most important to our learners. They have brought joy, happiness and confidence among them. It has revealed hidden talents in all sports activities and changed their attitudes towards sports. They compete and excel to lift the awards. It has also instilled discipline and created friendship in our school. Since the introduction of the Jordan Sinnott Awards learners are more willingly to participate in all sports activities and there is even improvement in terms of attendance at school. I think this will continue to inspire our future generations and create more sports champions in deep remote areas of Nkandla. Thanks so much to The Bambisanani Partnership and to Jordan’s family.”
Miss R. P. Kganyago, Departmental Head at the school added “As a school we would like to thank the Bambisanani Partnership for the support given. On the Jordan Sinnott awards we would like to say he is no more but his spirit lives on. Learners are so inspired to take part in sport and are constantly encouraged to do their best.”
The 2021 winners of The Bambisanani Partnership Awards in Memory of Jordan Sinnott:
Sportswoman of the Year: Anele Biyela
Sportsman of the Year: Andile Ngcobo
Sports Leader of the Year: Kwanele Majozi
Sportswoman of the Year: Anele Biyela
"In our school it's very nice because teachers are now awarding us for our talents in sports. It was difficult to get the Jordan Sinnott trophy. I would like to thank our Educators for giving us an opportunity to show our talent at school. Lastly I would like to thank the Bambisanani Partnership and all of the family of Jordan”.
Sportsman of the Year: Andile Ngcobo
"I would like to thank the Bambisanani Partnership for introducing these awards in memory of Jordan at our school since last year. It is my first time to lift such beautiful trophy. It was tough competition for everyone as we all wanted to lift it at end of the year. I worked hard for it. Thank you to our Principal and teachers."
Sports Leader of the Year: Kwanele Majozi
"It was not easy to win this award because all learners were working for it. I try to excel when I am given an opportunity in sports to lead and win. I thank the Bambisanani Partnership for supporting our school with sports equipment. I also thank my teachers for recognizing a talent in me".
David Geldart from the partnership added, “Congratulations to Anele, Andile and Kwanele, we will be watching your progress in school and in sport very closely. I know that Jordan would be very proud of you. Congratulations also to William and his team at Vumahlamvu for using these awards to celebrate the life of Jordan and to inspire learners to be the best that they can be. The impact of the awards at the school is quite remarkable.”
