Audiobook - Sports Narration - App Downloads/Online - English
Description
Vocal Characteristics
Language
EnglishVoice Age
Young Adult (18-35)Accents
South African (General)Transcript
Note: Transcripts are generated using speech recognition software and may contain errors.
In many ways, it seems like only yesterday that our beautiful country celebrated its freedom during that cherished April in 1994. But when you look back over the 25 years since you appreciate how much as a nation we've squeezed into that period and how exhilarating a journey it has bean, I count myself among the privileged having bean often age when in my profession, opportunities that had bean unimaginable to so many courageous and gifted compatriots before me, when now possible things seem to happen so fast that we hardly had time to reflect. This collection of storeys from the first quarter century of our democracy, thoughtfully assembled, gives us a much needed set off. Seven years as South Africans, we have learned to celebrate together, but sometimes we move on quickly. Not only is reflecting on the moments and the individuals who have had such an impact on our lives and the growth of the Rainbow Nation, we are a great sporting nation, and as Madiba would tell me more than once, sport has a unique power to bring us together. Back in the early 19 nineties, our country long for that after 1990 for some high profile events on home soil gave us a nation building in PETA's off goodwill and unity that would spread well beyond stadium or a single night's cheering. I was lucky enough to experience that firsthand and from the inside with the Africa Cup of Nations when in 1996 the celebrations during that tournament and the genuine togetherness off the support will stay with me forever. Bafana Bafana had been given a tough act to follow by the rugby team that won the World Cup a year earlier. The Olympians representing South Africa and our new flag for the first time, I had to carry heightened expectations going to the 1996 Atlanta Games. Several of them set a very high benchmark esports. People wanting to compete at the highest standard we were all away. What isolation and not being able to participate in the world's top tournaments and competitions had meant the injustices of the past left most South Africans deprived of the sort of facilities and chances they deserved. There is no overnight cheer for that legacy, however, through a combination ofthe resourcefulness, determination and invention, we found a way to compete and be relevant. Our sports culture reflects those qualities our circumstances meant. We have learned to do things a little differently and develop our own distinctive styles. We are innovators, and among the wonders of our arrival on the international stage was to watch how our pioneering spirit took the world by surprise with a B it with a dramatic drop goal, a clever Tom Meyer or a daring new approach to bowling or batting. We should appreciate that and value our way of doing things. It is what sets us apart.