Sport Personalities all over the world are paying tributes to South Africa’s first democratically elected president, Nelson Mandela, who has died at age 95.
Mandela believed sport has the power to change the world. According to him, it has the power to inspire, it has the power to unite people; in a way that nothing else does”. After he was elected president in 1994, Madiba, as he is popularly called in his country, used the 1995 Rugby World Cup to unite South Africa that was almost torn apart by racial violence. His message was, “One team, one nation!”
Boxing legend, Muhammad Ali said “His was a life filled with purpose and hope – hope for himself, his country and the world. Ali concluded by saying, “He taught us forgiveness on a grand scale”.
According to Brazilian football icon, Pele, Mandela was “one of the most influential people in my life. He was my hero, my friend”.
Tiger Woods, the world’s number one golfer and a 14-time major winner, said “You will always be in my heart, Mr Mandela.”
President of football governing body, FIFA, Sepp Blatter, wrote, “It is in deep mourning that I pay my respects to an extraordinary person. He was probably one of the greatest humanists of our time.”
Blatter spoke of Mandela’s impact on football’s 2010 World Cup in South Africa: “When he was honoured and cheered by the crowd at Johannesburg’s Soccer City Stadium on July 11, 2010, it was as a man of the people, a man of their hearts.
“It was one of the most moving moments I have ever experienced. For him, the World Cup in South Africa truly was ‘a dream come true’.”
He added that there would be a minute’s silence as a mark of respect ahead of the next round of international matches.
England’s record goal scorer, Sir Bobby Charlton said “Mr Mandela worked tirelessly all of his life for racial equality and his legacy will live on way beyond our lifetime. I feel blessed to have lived during his life span and privileged to have met him on a number of occasions.”
Former England Captain, David Beckham’s words were, “My heart goes out to the people in South Africa and Mr Mandela’s family. We have lost a true gentleman and a courageous human being. It was truly an honour to have known a man who had genuine love for so many people. Rest in peace.”
Six-time Olympic champion, Usain Bolt also showed respect for the global icon, “One of the greatest human beings ever. May your soul rest in peace. The world’s greatest fighter…”
In Adelaide, a couple of hours after the news of Mandela’s death was announced, a minute’s silence was observed before the start of play on day 2 of the Second Ashes Test, between Australia and England. The players wore black armbands in tribute to Mandela.
The English Premier League has confirmed that a minute’s silence would be observed before the start of all matches taking place this Saturday, Sunday and Monday. The Football Association and Football League have also asked clubs taking part in their respective competitions to have a minute’s applause before their matches this weekend.
