Did sterling work for EP sport

[caption id="attachment_39234" align="alignright" width="160"] LOTIE VAN DYK[/caption]

I WOULD like to pay tribute to Lotie van Dyk, one of the unsung heroes of Eastern Province sport. Lotie, who will be celebrating his 80th birthday on July 7, has the unique record of receiving national administration colours in two sports, athletics and lifesaving.

He was president of EP athletics for 12 years. He and his successor, Cliff Hopkins, did sterling work in amalgamating athletics in the Eastern Cape, so much so that we were the first provincial body to break down all racial barriers.

He was president of EP lifesaving for 14 years where he also did sterling work. He also played rugby for Eastern Province and wrestled for EP as well.

Many do not realise how hard he fought to get the synthetic track around the Westbourne Oval. He was rewarded in a small way by having the committee room at the Oval named the Lotie van Dyk Room.

Les Barnes, Sunridge Park, Port Elizabeth