August 05 2002 at 12:19AM

Manchester – In an emotional ceremony, swimmer Natalie du Toit was presented with an award for the most outstanding athlete of the Commonwealth Games at the closing ceremony on Sunday night. This is the first time in the Games’s history that such an award was made to an athlete.

The 18-year-old, who lost part of her left leg in a motorcycling accident in 2001, won golds in the women’s multi-disability 50 and 100 metres freestyle events, but it was reaching the 800 metres final that gave her the most pleasure.

Du Toit made history with her pioneering swim against able-bodied swimmers. The swim earned her a rousing ovation from the capacity crowd.

“Natalie is a truly remarkable individual who deserves our full admiration,” said Mike Fennel, chairperson of the Commonwealth Games Federation.

“Her achievements in Manchester reflect her determination in life – to overcome adversity and in the process inspire others, including her South African team-mates,” he said.

Du Toit was the South African team’s flag bearer at the closing ceremony on Sunday night.

South Africa had more reason to be proud, with nine golds, 20 silver and 17 bronze medals.

Roland Schoeman captured a gold medal in the 50m freestyle to add to Bob Donnely’s gold in the men’s singles bowls final.

Terence Parkin won silver in the 200m breastsroke while Charlene Wittstock, Sarah Poewe, Mandy Loots and Helene Muller took silver in the women’s 4×100 medley relay.

There was further silver in the women’s bowls pairs and the wheelchair table tennis. – Sapa