The MEC for Sports, Arts and Culture, Ms Joyce Mashamba, has congratulated the Vhembe District Municipality for being the overall winner of this year´s OR Tambo Games.

She also urged young people to participate in the games as sports unite the nations at all levels. Mashamba said sports gave young people the chance to interact via various activities. She expressed the hope that they will reach the goal of uniting the nation on all levels.

Mashamba was speaking at the University of Venda Stadium, at the closing ceremony of the games.

Vhembe District won 9 gold, 12 silver and 15 bronze medals and was crowned the overall winner.

The torched was passed to Mopani District, who will host the 2012 games.

The executive mayor of Vhembe District, Councillor Florence Dzhombere, was over the moon to learn that her district, the host of the event, was also the overall winner. "We will give support to our young people who are ready to become involved in different sporting codes. We want Vhembe to be the centre of excellence when it comes to sport," said Dzhombere.