It’s all systems go for Team South Africa as the momentum gathers pace for this year’s Olympic and Paralympic Games in London.

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SASCOC president Gideon Sam has paid tribute to former WBF heavyweight boxer Mike Bernardo, who died in Cape Town on Tuesday.

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SASCOC President Gideon Sam on Thursday urged the country’s para-athletes to do their country proud at this year’s Paralympic Games in London.

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Sports Minister Mr Fikile Mbalula on Tuesday expressed his confidence in the South African Sports Confederation and Olympic Committee (SASCOC) leadership, but urged the governing body to put its “battles” aside and focus on London 2012.

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The President of South Africa’s Olympic governing body, Mr Gideon Sam, on Tuesday congratulated Oscar Pistorius on winning the 2012 Laureus World Sportsperson of the Year with a Disability Award.

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The death of two South African racing drivers at the past weekend is an “unfortunate tragedy”, SASCOC Chief Executive Officer Mr Tubby Reddy said on Monday.

Multiple South African champion Curt Alchin, 44, passed away after a tragic accident at the Victory Raceway in Port Elizabeth on Saturday evening and Sunday morning saw the death of 37-year-old Wim Pretorius at the Zwartkops Raceway in Pretoria.

“It is indeed an unfortunate tragedy what has happened to these talented athletes. It takes great nerve and courage to compete at the top levels in motorsport and to lose their lives ‘on the ‘job’ is heart-breaking,” said Reddy.

Alchin, an honorary member of the Algoa Motorsport Club, was awarded national colours in 2004 for his success in international Oval Racing. His titles include 1995 Production Car Champion, 1999 Modified Saloons Champion, 2002 Standard 1600 Saloons Champion, 2005 Modified Saloons Dirt Champion, and 2006 Modified Saloons 1600 Tar Champion.

According to a statement released by Motorsport South Africa (MSA), Pretorius lost his life whilst participating in the Thunderbikes race. An amateur driver, he started racing in the middle of 2009, competing in only eight out of 22 races for the year yet ended ninth in the total points standings. The following year he contested four races, finishing second in two and winning the other two. Then last year he won the Thunderbike B Class club championship.

Reddy extended the Olympic governing body’s condolences to both sportsmen’s families. “On behalf of SASCOC and all its members, I would like to send our sincere condolences to both the families and friends of these members of the SA sport community.”

At least three important events have kept me busy since my last feedback. First up, we celebrated 202 days out from the Paralympics with the British navy on the frigate HMS Montrose in Simon’s Town.

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Just recently I had the opportunity to travel to the University of Stellenbosch to visit our star long-jumper Luvo Manyonga and his coach Mario Smit.

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The race to be 100% ready for this year’s Olympic Games in London continues to gather pace – and quickly too.

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There’s no doubting that we are faced with an extremely tight programme for 2012, an Olympic Games year.

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