SA PUTS ITS BEST FOOT FORWARD FOR THE 2022 COMMONWEALTH GAMES2014-07-23 A South African observer team will be watching with keen interest when Glasgow, Scotland officially opens the Commonwealth Games tonight, 23 July 2014.
The South African team of 10 observers joins 2018 Commonwealth Games host Gold Coast, Australia, to study the technical, infrastructure and financial requirements of hosting the games. They will be exposed to the full scope of the games through the 12-day packed programme entailing presentations by various experts and technicians as well as visits to most of the sites to experience the games in action. The observer programme is part of the Commonwealth Games Federation’s (CGF) knowledge management initiative and is open to CGF hosts, bidding cities and event organisers. Other participants in the observer programme include the organising committees of the 2015 European Games (Baku, Azerbaijan), 2017 World Master Games (Auckland, New Zealand), 2017 World Games (Wroclaw, Poland), 2017 Asian Indoor Martial Arts Games Ashgabat, Turkmenistan) and the 2019 Pan American Games (Lima, Peru). The multi-disciplinary mission to Glasgow started off with International Mandela Day on 18 July when locals and South Africans united in celebration in honour of the late former President, Dr Nelson Mandela. The positive response to the South African impressive presentation for Durban to host the 2022 Commonwealth Games at the Commonwealth Games Federation General Assembly on Monday, gives impetus to the positioning of Durban as a highly attractive destination to stage mega events. Durban’s credentials attest to the City’s ability to provide memorable experiences and these include the City’s role in hosting the 2010 Fifa World Cup, the Top Gear Festival, African Cup of Nations Tournament, Tourism Indaba, COP 17 Climate Change Conference and the Fifth BRICS Conference amongst other world class events. Durban’s Executive Committee member Councillor Zandile Gumede said to position Durban as a host City for the 2022 games, the City is part of an exhibition in Glasgow which showcases the strengths and capabilities of Durban as a sports events destination of choice. Visitors to the stand will experience South African cuisine, music, fashion and other elements which make Durban a truly diverse and smart City. “The observer programme is turning out to be such a crucial platform for the South African team to benchmark with other hosts and use this information to ensure the City of Durban wins the bid to host the 2022 games, as well as host them successfully,†said Gumede. Hosting an event of this magnitude will leave a lasting social legacy for the people of South Africa as it requires community engagement and development. Moreover the organisation of 17 sporting codes in one City over 11 days requires synergy across all sectors both public and private. Over 15000 volunteers, 1500 cars, 1700 drivers, 78000 tons of waste and 80 venues are just some of the critical logistical arrangements required in delivering an event of this magnitude. The South African observer team is ready for the 12-day programme and hopes to return home with new insight and strategies to drive the 2022 bid. Issued by eThekwini Municipality Head of Communications On behalf of the SA Observer Group Contact: tozi.mthethwa@durban.gov.za Mobile: +27 83 307 9067 |
SA PUTS ITS BEST FOOT FORWARD FOR THE 2022 COMMONWEALTH GAMES
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