Jordan Sinnott Awards Inspire in South Africa
Former St. Mary’s Menston student and professional footballer Jordan Sinnott was a great supporter of the Bambisanani Partnership charity which uses the power to change lives in some of the poorest rural communities in South Africa. Following his tragic death in 2020 three annual awards were established in his memory at Vumanhlamvu Primary School in the Nkandla region of KwaZulu-Natal. The awards recognise the Sportswomen of the Year, Sportsman of the Year and Sports Leader at the school.
At a special presentation event at the school there was great anticipation much excitement as the three award winners were announced:
Mnelisi Ntanzi Sportswoman of the Year
Andile Kunene Sportsman of the Year
Lunwabo Masondo Sports Leader of the Year
Award winners pictured with Mr Sibisi Lucky the Sports Organiser at Vumanhlamvu School
Mnelisi Ntanzi Sportswoman of the Year
“l feel very much happy to be a winner of this beautiful award that remembers Jordan at our school. This encourages me to continue with netball even next year at high school. I practiced and exercised at home very much in order to improve. I scored 32 goals this year in netball matches. Thank you, a lot, to the Sinnott family and the Bambisanani Partnership as these awards encourage us to showcase our talent.”
Andile Kunene Sportsman of the Year
“'It is a dream come true to win the Jordan Sinnott Award in 2024. I am very happy and my dream is to be a professional soccer player one day. I always go an extra mile when given a task in sports – this encourages me to do the same in my school work. Thanks to the Jordan Sinnott family and to Bambisanani for giving us this opportunity.”
Lunwabo Masondo Sports Leader of the Year
“I have never won any award in my whole life. The Jordan Sinnott award is the first thing that l won and it is a famous award at our school. I worked very hard all the time and this special award motivates me to be a good leader. Thank you Bambisanani and Sinnott family for remembering us.”
Mr William Vilakazi, Principal of the school added, “It is difficult to express how important these awards are to our school. They are a focal point for our learners and inspire them to be the best that they can be. We remember Jordan at this time and his Mum, Melanie who sadly passed away last year. The Sinnott family and his friends must be strengthened in the knowledge that Jordan is continuing to inspire learners in this remote rural part of South Africa. This is the power of sport which we know was very important to Jordan.”
