The World Transplant Games kicked off in Durban yesterday in glorious sunshine and warm weather with three events running concurrently; the 5km road race, petanque and volleyball.
The Mayor, Cllr James Nxumalo, said that the City is very proud to be hosting games of this calibre. “We are known as the events capital in the country and we have no doubt that we will once again not disappoint in hosting games that are of world-class standard.†He added that the first day had gone off smoothly and he trusts that the athletes were enjoying their stay in the beautiful City, especially the warm Durban weather.
Chairman for the Local Organising Committee, Mr Willie Uys, commented, “We couldn’t have asked for a better first day to The World Transplant Games. The athletes love Durban, the competition is good and most important, the spirits are high. We look forward to a week of excellent sport and enthusiam.â€
President of the World Transplant Games Federation, Mr Olivier Coustere, said “I am very impressed with what Durban has rolled out in terms of facilities and organisation â€" which is well on par, if not better, than past international events.â€
The first gold medal of the 2013 World Transplant Games was won by Hungarian athlete Gergo Mezei in the 5km road race which started and finished in front of the iconic Moses Mabhida Stadium.
Mezei, who competed in the 18-29 years category, and two other male athletes, Matthew Salkeld (Great Britain and Northern Ireland, 15-17 years) and Montague Summers (Australia, 18-29 years), were early leaders in the field of over 100 international runners. The pace was fast on the scenic course alongside the warm Indian Ocean, with a gentle prevailing wind.
Local fans were not disappointed as two South African athletes, Daniel Matsoso of Alexandria and Morokwane Itumeleng of Lotus Gardens, Gauteng, finished first and third respectively in the 30-39 age division. Daniel Matsoso, whose face graces the event’s Durban street posters, won gold in a time of 19.13. Matso finished in fifth position overall across the line.
Matsoso who has had a kidney transplant, had run five Comrades Marathons, with a time of 10.45 this year his personal best being 8.40 in 2008. “I am so happy to win,†he said before breaking down with emotion on the podium. “This is a wonderful event to promote organ donor awareness and I hope many people respond and sign up,†he added.
Both Matsoso and Itumeleng will be competing in the athletics events at Kings Park Athletics Stadium on Friday 2 and Saturday 3 August.
Orla Smyth of Great Britain and Northern Ireland was the first lady to finish in a time of 22.59 followed by Andrea Jung (Hungary, 40-49) in 23.05 with Zanelle Britz of Pretoria East, in third place (18-29) in a time of 23.51. All three were age group gold medallists.
Zanelle, who is competing in her first World Transplant Games, suffered from leukaemia. She had a bone marrow transplant and has never looked back.
Whilst the 5km run was underway, history was being made at the People’s Par, Moses Mabhida Stadium with the first international petanque tournament ever to be staged in South Africa. 40 grass courts were specially created for the event by The City of Durban for the sport which is commonly known as ‘boule’.
The Volleyball Tournament, staged at the University of KZN Westville campus concluded with a humdinger of a final where Hungary were victorious after three tightly contested sets. Hungary took on Argentina in the gold and silver game and Argentina took the first set 20-25. Hungary came back but not without a fight from Argentina, the second set went to Hungary with one point separating the two, 25-24 and the final set saw Hungary winning with a mere two points being the decider. Hungary finished 16-14.
Today’s events start with the cycling time trials followed by Ten Pin Bowling, squash, petanque (doubles) and team golf.
For more info visit www.wtg2013.com or like the Facebook page World Transplant Games.
ENDS
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