Justine Wins Belgium Sportsperson of the Year Award - 網球

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Justine Wins Belgium Sportsperson of the Year Award
17/12/2006:

Justine was named Belgian Sportsperson Of the Year (Sportive de l'anee), the
nation's biggest sporting honour at the Sport Gala award ceremony in Ostend,
Northen Belgium this evening. It was a double night of honours for Justine as
the Fed Cup team also won Sporting Team of 2006. It was a tough race with
Belgian athletics stars Kim Gevaert and Tia Hellebaut, who offered to Belgium
magic moments at the European Champions this year at Gothenburg, Sweden but
the Belgian journalists and media chose Justine with her Roland Garros title,
four finales in the majors, the WTA Championships win in Madrid, and return
to the #1 ranking. Justine couldn't be in attendence at the Gala, but
overwhelmed with joy about receiving the honour.

I have just learned that I was named Sportive de l'anee. I could not be in
Ostend for the ceremony, but I want to say that this is a huge honour. I
realize that it was a close race with Kim(Geavaert) and Tia having a fabulous
2006 season, and like everyone else in Belgium I was excited watching them on
television winning in Gothenburg. I want to use this opportunity to
congratulate them, thank you girls for giving such great sporting and
emotional moments. It was fantastic to see both of you win medals at such an
important event.

Thank you to the journalists who chronicled all of sporting performances from
four corners of the world. I want to say thank you especially to my fellow
Belgians because throughout the season, no matter where I am, I receive your
messages of encouragement and I feel your support - it really touches me
enormously. To see our Fed Cup team also be distinguished makes me even
happier in my heart. With Kim (Clijsters), Kirsten, Caroline, Leslie and
Carl, I lived an unforgettable adventure in 2006.

I wish good luck to Tia, (to both) Kims, Kirsten and with all the sportsmen,
known or unknown, who are impassioned by their sport for the coming year in
2007.

From my heart,

Justine

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