27/05/2026
With immense pride and gratitude, we celebrate the incredible achievement of our Founder and Executive Director, Gert Potgieter, who was honoured by the International Olympic Academy with a figurine of a white dove dedicated to the goddess Aphrodite — a powerful symbol of peace, unity, hope, and humanity through sport.
This prestigious recognition was awarded in acknowledgement of Gert’s outstanding lifelong commitment to spreading Olympic Education and promoting the Olympic Values of excellence, friendship, and respect, not only within South Africa but across countless communities and generations of young people. Through decades of passionate service, mentorship, leadership, and advocacy for sport as a vehicle for transformation, Gert has continued to inspire individuals to lead with integrity, purpose, and compassion.
As an organisation, we are deeply proud to witness our founder receive such a meaningful international honour on a global stage. His unwavering dedication to empowering youth and building a better world through sport continues to leave a lasting impact on everyone fortunate enough to work alongside him. This award is not only a recognition of his personal journey, but also a reflection of the values he so consistently lives and shares with others every single day.
The award was presented by the Dean of the IOA, Kostas Georgiadis, during a ceremony held in Olympia on 21 May 2026 — a place rich in Olympic history and significance.
Congratulations, Gert. Your passion, humility, and lifelong dedication to Olympic Education continue to inspire us all, and we are incredibly honoured to celebrate this remarkable achievement with you.
