Pretoria - Sports legends and the South African Sports Confederation and Olympic Committee (SASCOC) have marked the 100 days countdown towards the kick-off of the 2012 London Olympic Games with an event at Golf Reef City, Johannesburg.
Broadcast live on SABC 2's breakfast show, Morning Live, the 100 days extravaganza included the unveiled of the Team South Africa Ambassadors. They are Cecil Africa, a Springbok Sevens star; former Bafana Bafana captain, Lucas Radebe; golf sensation Ernie Els; retired international cricket ace Makhaya Ntini and Cynthia Tshaka were unveiled as.
Speaking at the event, SASCOC Chief Executive Officer, said: "The role of the Team SA Ambassador is to inspire and mentor the Team SA athletes competing at the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games, while encouraging young and old people worldwide to become more active in sport."
Already a star in his own right, the recently announced Team SA mascot, Chukuru, once again showed why he is the fans' favourite - especially when he has his dancing boots on.
Members of the public recently voted for the rhino-like mascot as the most popular mascot for Team SA going forward to all multi-coded sports events.
Sporting hopefuls for the London 2012 Olympic Games, including track and field athletes and members of the national men's hockey team, who will be leaving for their Olympic Qualifier tournament in Japan on Thursday, were also in attendance.
SASCOC also launched a supporter's shirt which members of the public can wear on Team SA Fridays to show their support.
Predominately green, the supporters shirt will be available in selected stores around the country, ahead of the regular staging of Team SA Fridays which kick off this weekend and are sure to drum up more popular support for Team SA at the world's biggest global sports event.
Meanwhile, the minister on Tuesday concluded a two-day meeting of the XVIII General Assembly of Association of National Olympic Committees (ANOC) in, Moscow Russia.
Mbalula was part of the 1000 leaders of the Olympic Movement from over 205 countries meeting for the second time in the ANOC history.
The main purpose of the assembly was to grant the National Olympic Committees from five continents an opportunity to exchange views and opinions in making the Olympic Movement stronger and to protect the interest of the athletes.
Mbalula and SASCOC President Gideon Sam met General Assembly President, HE Sheikh Ahmad al-Fahad Al-Sabah to discuss the strengthening of the Olympic movement in Africa.
"South Africa is one of the most strategic partners in the successes of Olympic Movement in the continent. Sheikh shared his vision with us about Olympic development in Africa," said Mbalula.
Sheikh said South Africa remains a strategic role player in the advancement of sport and athlete development in the African continent.
ANOC General Assemblies take place every two years.
