South Africa was awarded the right to stage the 2010 World Cup in 2004. It was a moment of great joy for former South African president Mandela.
Nelson Mandela's sporting legacy —
South Africa was awarded the right to stage the 2010 World Cup in 2004. It was a moment of great joy for former South African president Mandela.
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Mandela's last public appearance was at the closing ceremony of 2010 World Cup at Soweto's Soccer City Stadium.
Nelson Mandela's sporting legacy —
Mandela's last public appearance was at the closing ceremony of 2010 World Cup at Soweto's Soccer City Stadium.
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"I have always believed that exercise is a key not only to physical health, but to peace of mind," wrote the once-keen boxer and long-distance runner. "Exercise dissipates tension, and tension is the enemy of serenity."<br />
Nelson Mandela's sporting legacy —
"I have always believed that exercise is a key not only to physical health, but to peace of mind," wrote the once-keen boxer and long-distance runner. "Exercise dissipates tension, and tension is the enemy of serenity."
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A day after his release from prison in February 1990, Mandela was greeted by thousands of South Africans at the Orlando stadium in Soweto.
Nelson Mandela's sporting legacy —
A day after his release from prison in February 1990, Mandela was greeted by thousands of South Africans at the Orlando stadium in Soweto.
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FIFA President Sepp Blatter seen here with Mandela during preparations for the 2010 World Cup. Blatter paid a glowing tribute to the former South African President on Thursday. "Nelson Mandela will stay in our hearts forever. The memories of his remarkable fight against oppression, his incredible charisma and his positive values will live on in us and with us," Blatter said in a statement.
Nelson Mandela's sporting legacy —
FIFA President Sepp Blatter seen here with Mandela during preparations for the 2010 World Cup. Blatter paid a glowing tribute to the former South African President on Thursday. "Nelson Mandela will stay in our hearts forever. The memories of his remarkable fight against oppression, his incredible charisma and his positive values will live on in us and with us," Blatter said in a statement.
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Former South African footballer Lucas Radebe paid tribute to Mandela on his website: "The sports history books in South Africa will show statistics and victories. What they won't show, however, was that it was Madiba Magic that forged those results and performances; and united a country and its people along the way. No doubt, that Madiba Magic will live on. Thank you Tata," Radebe wrote.
Nelson Mandela's sporting legacy —
Former South African footballer Lucas Radebe paid tribute to Mandela on his website: "The sports history books in South Africa will show statistics and victories. What they won't show, however, was that it was Madiba Magic that forged those results and performances; and united a country and its people along the way. No doubt, that Madiba Magic will live on. Thank you Tata," Radebe wrote.
2010 FIFA World Cup Organising Committee South Africa
"How do you ever work out what a man like President Mandela's done?" South African golf legend Gary Player told CNN. "He's been so powerful with love and love conquers the world."
Nelson Mandela's sporting legacy —
"How do you ever work out what a man like President Mandela's done?" South African golf legend Gary Player told CNN. "He's been so powerful with love and love conquers the world."
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Nelson Mandela congratulates South Africa's rugby union captain <a target="_blank" target="_blank">Francois Pienaar </a>after his team beat New Zealand in the 1995 World Cup final which was held in South Africa. "I will always be profoundly grateful for the personal role Nelson Mandela has played in my life, as my President and my example," Pienaar said.
Nelson Mandela's sporting legacy —
Nelson Mandela congratulates South Africa's rugby union captain Francois Pienaar after his team beat New Zealand in the 1995 World Cup final which was held in South Africa. "I will always be profoundly grateful for the personal role Nelson Mandela has played in my life, as my President and my example," Pienaar said.
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