ANC YOUTH LEAGUE WELCOMES AND CELEBRATES THE CLEARING OF SOUTH AFRICA'S GOLDEN GIRL CASTER SEMENYA:
The African National Congress Youth League welcomes the decision of the International Association of Athletics Federation decision to clear South African golden girl Caster Semenya to continue to be an athlete as a woman. The IAAF decision brings to an end the wild speculations that were pushed and celebrated by those opposed to the progress and success of South Africa's historically disadvantaged individuals.
The ANC Youth League is proud that our call for Caster Semenya to continue running as an excellent female athlete in all national and international platforms has been heeded by the IAAF. The ANC Youth League mobilised all youth formations and progressive voices across the world to condemn and denounce the exclusion of Caster Semenya from international athletics and our strong voices were heard. The ANC Youth League provided all the necessary support to Caster Semenya during the time, mobilised resources for her, built her a house and ensured that her wellbeing and focus is not undermined by efforts to undermine her excellence in sports.
The clearing of Caster Semenya also vindicates former Athletics South Africa (ASA) President Leonard Chuene who did everything to protect the sports career of Caster Semenya. Leonard Chuene made mistakes in efforts to protect Caster Semenya, yet the clearing of Caster Semenya vindicates him. The ANC Youth League will in this regard be engaging with all relevant stakeholders, including SASCOC to retain the services of Leonard Chuene who is a true champion of sports development in the country.
Finally, the ANC Youth League wishes Caster Semenya well in all her athletic activities and more than convinced that she will continue to be a shining star and indisputably a potential Olympics Gold Medallist. The ANC YL will continue to give her the necessary support and will support all programmes that are aimed at the development of young sports women and men.
Statement issued by the ANC Youth League, June 10 2010
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