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Fordyce to be capped as doctor
19/11/2007 15:36 - (SA)
Johannesburg - Running legend Bruce Fordyce will receive an honorary degree from Wits University, the institution said on Monday.
"Fordyce will receive the degree for his sporting achievements, but more importantly for his contribution to the country off the field," said vice-chancellor Professor Loyiso Nongxa.
The degree Fordyce will receive is a Doctor of Laws honoris causa.
Fordyce graduated in 1978 with a BA Hons in Archaeology from Wits.
He is better known for his dominance of the Comrades marathon from 1981 to 1990, with nine consecutive wins - as well as winning numerous other marathons world-wide.
He wore a black armband in 1981 to protest the use of the marathon as a "nation-building" tool by the government of the day.
The multiple record holder was awarded the SA ultra marathoner of the Year award ten times in a row, as well as the Sportsman of the Year award five times.
In 1984 Fordyce gained his Springbok colours and was awarded the State President's Gold Award for Sports, by former president Nelson Mandela in 1997.
Fordyce was appointed as CEO of the Sports Trust in 1997 from where he helped develop and advance all sports.
"This especially helped people who were not allowed to participate or did not have the resources to play sports. Sports centres such as the Gugulethu NY 49 complex and the Mossel Bay indoor sports centre are examples of his efforts to use sports to breakdown racial barriers and develop individuals and communities," Nongxa said.
The university's higher degrees graduation ceremony - at which Fordyce will receive his honorary degree - will commence at 6pm on Wednesday at Wits University's Great Hall.
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