A hockey coach and advocate for athlete development from Bloemfontein, Amber Marais, has secured a place in the top 10 of Miss World SA.
Marais credits her upbringing in a close-knit hockey community for instilling a profound love for sports and community support.
“Growing up here taught me the value of perseverance and the strength found in supportive communities,” she said.
Marais studied Sport Development and Management, focusing on enhancing athletes’ performance.
“My studies in Sport Development and Management have equipped me with strategies to enhance athletes’ performance and well-being,” Marais explained.
Entering the Miss World SA competition was a natural extension of Marais’ commitment to effecting positive change.
“I believe in the platform’s power to bring meaningful change, especially in advocating for athletes’ well-being,” she shared.
Throughout the competition, Marais has found immense reward in connecting with like-minded individuals and championing causes close to her heart.
“It’s been a journey of self-discovery and growth,” she said. Looking ahead, Marais plans to use her platform to support young athletes, particularly in underprivileged communities.
Through initiatives like SportsForward, she aims to expand access to sports resources and mentorship across South Africa.
“I recently launched SportsForward on Instagram, which is my Beauty with a Purpose project driven by Miss World SA. SportsForward aims to create a supportive network where sports equipment and coaching are accessible to kids across South Africa.
We believe that every child deserves the opportunity to thrive and grow through sports,” she explained.
As she prepares for the competition’s final stages on 5 October, Marais remains steadfast in her goal to inspire others. “I want to empower youth to pursue their dreams passionately,” she concluded.
Justine Fortuin
