Written by: Lourieke Haller
The founders of God in Sport, Karien Basson and Tanya Powell hosted the launch of their first book, Listen. God’s Voice in my life, during an elegant brunch at the Bloemendal 360 in Cape Town.
God in Sport (G.I.S.) was founded by the two as a platform where faith and sport meet.
Watch this video to see snippets of interviews with the athletes featured in the book as well as the vison of God in Sport.
The interviews during the launch with some of the sport stars featured in the book was both insightful and at times moving with the athletes and audience wiping away a tear or two. Rugby player Ruhan Nel had to compose himself before he could thank God for his grace in allowing the rugby player to be able cuddle and hold his four-month-old little daughter – referring to something he tells readers about in the book. There was also an emotional moment when the Powell brothers, Neil and Jimmy, honoured former Springbok captain, Theuns Stofberg – also present – for his legacy and godly example to their generation of young admirers just as he paid tribute to legendary former Springbok captain, Dawie de Villiers, during his talk.
Paralympian sprinter, Anruné Weyers, brought her newborn son with her on to the stage and declared with a broad grin that a gold medal pales into insignificance against the joy of becoming a mother – although she said that no training regime was as tough as looking after a newborn baby.
Sevens player Angelo Davids tearfully thanked coach Neil Powell, sitting next to him, for the impact he had in his life and for being not only a mentor but also a spiritual father to him and so many of the other young players.
Athlete after athlete acknowledged the role God had and still is playing in their lives, especially when the curve balls of life such as an injury or not being chosen for the team hits home.
As Karien reiterated during the interviews, “God is not looking for perfect people. He is looking for surrendered people to inspire others by how they deal with their imperfections.”
The books, Listen. God’s voice in my life and Luister. God se stem in my lewe tells these stories in an honest and moving way. Both these books are available on JOY! Gifts at a book launch special of R299.
Click on the links below to order yours today:
LISTEN: God’s voice in my life – joygifts.co.za
LUISTER: God se stem in my lewe – joygifts.co.za
Karien, part of the Finesse Voelgoed Magazine and the editor of Vroue wat Glo. She has been in the media industry for more than twenty years and as a manager, public relations officer, journalist, and radio & TV presenter, she still loves to tell other’s stories, because the passion for God and people is heartfealt.
Tanya, interest in rugby and sports runs deep; as a godchild to the famous rugby legend, Uli Schmidt. She has a degree in biokinetics and was a biokineticist at the University of Stellenbosch from 2004-2011. She is the wife of Neil Powell, former head coach of the Blitzboks and current Director of Rugby at the Sharks Rugby Union
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Date published: 31/07/2023
Photos supplied
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