WATCH VIDEOS: Reiger Park gives Team SA a heroes’ farewell
A few athletes of Team SA paraded the streets of Reiger Park with the community on Saturday, July 23 before jetting off to Brazil for the 2016 Rio Olympic Games.
The games kick off on Friday, August 5, and run until Sunday, August 21.
The parade, which was officially opened by Gauteng Sport, Arts, Culture and Recreation MEC Faith Mazibuko, offered the Reiger Park community the opportunity to meet their heroes.
Local fans got to take pictures with the likes of footballers Rivaldo Coetzee, Abubakar Mobara and charismatic long jumper Luvo Monyonga, who also led the team with his impressive dancing skills.
Having finished in overall 23rd position on the medals tally in the last Olympics, in London, with six medals – three gold, two silver and a single bronze – Team 2016 will be looking to improve on that total.
Meanwhile, 400m world champion Wayde van Niekerk was named Team SA flag-bearer for the opening ceremony, in an announcement recently made at the team’s send-off, at Emperors Palace.
The 2016 Rio Olympics also mark the debut of Rugby Sevens and golf.
A total of 137 athletes will be representing and defending the nation’s flag at the Games. – @SabeloBoksburg
SA athletes to look out for in Rio
