Ongoing tributes for the gentleman of South African sports sponsorship

Dan Sevel was laid to rest at an emotional ceremony on the weekend, and tributes continue to pour in for the former Tournament Director of the Nedbank Golf Challenge hosted by Gary Player and Sun International Marketing Manager: Sports Marketing.

Sevel’s unexpected passing last week came as a shock to the sports sponsorship industry, and South African golf in particular.

Sevel had a long history in sports sponsorship, event management and hospitality that included working with key sponsors in the 2010 FIFA World Cup and many other international events. He joined Sun International in 2000, and in 2016 took over the role as Tournament Director of the Nedbank Golf Challenge as it moved into a new era as a premier tournament on the European Tour’s elite Rolex Series.

South Africa’s professional golfers led the flood of tributes for a man many of them knew personally through their role as golf ambassadors for Sun International, a programme Sevel initiated and grew significantly to the benefit of several professionals on the Sunshine Tour and Sunshine Ladies Tour.

Many took to Twitter to express their condolences.

“Devastated today! Dan our friend we are going to miss you! Truly gutted,” Tweeted Ernie Els.

“Our thoughts and prayers are with Dan Sevel’s family. RIP Dan,” wrote Louis Oosthuizen.

Trevor Immelman Tweeted, “Very sad news. RIP Dan Sevel”.

“Very sad news to hear about Dan’s passing. His friendliness knew no bounds. He was such an incredible guy. Thoughts and prayers to his loved ones. He will be deeply missed. It really is a big loss to us all,” wrote Branden Grace.

The Sunshine Tour Tweeted, “He was more than a friend. We will miss Dan Sevel dearly. Working with him on tournaments was always an exercise filled with smiles and laughter. Golf has lost a close ally. We wish long life to all close to him.”

“Stunned to hear of the death of Dan Sevel. A gem of a man who loved golf and did so much for golf in SA. Will be sorely missed,” wrote Tony Johnstone.

Sevel’s passing was mourned by the greater South African sports fraternity as well.

The Emirates Lions Tweeted, “The Lions Rugby Company was deeply saddened to learn of the sudden passing of Dan Sevel, a dear friend and colleague. Condolences to the family”.

“Incredibly saddened to hear about the passing of Dan Sevel. He always went out of his way to help me and many other sportsmen and women. My prayers and condolences to all his family and friends. Dan you’ll be missed,” Tweeted Roland Schoeman.

Adventurer Riaan Manser also Tweeted his condolences: “Sad and shocked at passing of Dan Sevel. Loved by so many. Thinking of family and friends at this time.”

Sevel touched many lives, even those outside of sport.

“Back in 2012, while I was a student at UJ, Dan Sevel bought me a printer and books. I passed very well that year. May his soul rest in peace,” Tweeted Boitumelo Senganga Mogakwe.