Though one of his final public appearances in the sports world came at the 2010 World Cup in South Africa, former South African president Nelson Mandela will continue to a have a major impact in the world of sports even after his death. Passing away Thursday evening at the age of 95, South Africa's first black president will be remembered for his compassion, desire to do right by all and for one infamous act at the 1995 World Cup Rugby final.
Held at Ellis Park Stadium in Johannesburg, South Africa, the 1995 Rugby World Cup title match proved to be a monumental turning point in the nation's history. After the Springboks claim South Africa's first Rugby World Cup trophy, Mandela, sporting a Springbok jersey and cricket cap, presented the trophy to South Africa captain Francois Pienaar. Receiving a massive ovation from the 65,000 fans in attendance, the act of wearing the team colors was a significant moment in South African history because it began a movement away from apartheid. Until that courageous act by the president, the Springbok's mostly drew their support from the white Afrikaners while the black community held a high distaste for the team.
"Not in my wildest dreams did I think that Nelson Mandela would pitch up at the final wearing a Springbok on his heart, Francois Pienaar said after the June 24, 1995 final. "When he walked into our changing room to say good luck to us, he turned around and my number was on his back. It was just an amazing feeling." Despite the fact that this brave and historic event took place nearly 20 years ago, it remains a vivid image in the lives of many South Africans and those who remember watching coverage of the match that day.
Impacting the lives of many while serving as President from 1994 to 1999, Mandela's impact on the sporting world goes way beyond just his actions while in office. Saddened by the loss of a dear friend, FIFA President Sepp Blatter released a statement indicating that he is proud to consider Mr. Mandela a friend because he was a man of the people, with Blatter recalling how emotional it was to watch Nelson Mandela receive a standing ovation at the 2010 World Cup.
The 77-year-old FIFA boss also noted that the flags of the 209 member associations at FIFA headquarters will be flown at half-mast. Blatter went on to say that a moment of silence will undoubtedly take place prior to the next round of international matches as well.
"It is in deep mourning that I pay my respects to an extraordinary person, probably one of the greatest humanists of our time and a dear friend of mine, Nelson Rolihlahla Mandela," Blatter said. "He and I shared an unwavering belief in the extraordinary power of football to unite people in peace and friendship, and to teach basic social and educational values as a school of life. When he was honored and cheered by the crowd at Johannesburg's Soccer City stadium July 11, 2010, it was as a man of the people, a man of their hearts, and 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 continued. "The memories of his remarkable fight against oppression, his incredible charisma and his positive values will live on in us and with us. As a mark of respect and mourning, the flags of the 209 member associations at the home of FIFA will be flown at half-mast and there will be a minute's silence before the next round of international matches."
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