Sporting events expected to reach some 250 million homes

01 Feb 2016 | Admin Author

Nelson Mandela Bay is in line to host three major sporting events with the organisers having approached the Council's Sport and Recreation Directorate for a partnership.

The events are the Nelson Mandela Golf Challenge next December, FIFA Four Nations Beach Soccer Cup in December this year, and the 505 World Class Sailing Championships from March 23 to April 3 next year.

In a report to the Sport, Recreation, Arts and Cultural Services Committee, the directorate states that the metro currently has three major events, the Splash Festival, Iron Man and Summer Festival.

It points out that the metro has “a proven record in hosting successful events,” citing the World Cup, AFCON and the Iron Man that has been held in Nelson Mandela Bay for the past 10 years.

With regard to the 505 World Class Sailing Championships, the report says that the Algoa Bay Yacht Club has been awarded the hosting rights and has secured a major sponsor.

It wants the metro to assist with a flag-raising ceremony on the Donkin; host a civic reception for 350 people; provide traffic services where needed and assist with logistics on the beachfront.

It points out that the economic benefits, international and national exposure as well as the impact on tourism for the city will be “huge”.

The Nelson Mandela Golf Challenge will be co-sanctioned by the local Professional Golf Association, the Sunshine Tour and European Tour with professional players from South Africa and overseas participating.

While the venue for the event has still to be announced, prize money will be R14 million.

The report says the FIFA 4-Nations Beach Soccer Cup will be played over three days on a round robin basis involving about six matches, including a celebrity match.

The intention is to erect a “flexible, temporary soccer stadium” for the event with a seating capacity of between 1 500 and 2 500.

Source:Metrominute