The SALGA-KZN Games is an annual mixed code sporting event held in the province of KwaZulu-Natal for all its district municipalities namely Amajuba, iLembe, Sisonke, Ugu, Umgungundlovu, Umkhanyakude, Umzinyathi, uThukela , uThungulu, Zululand and the eThekwini Metropolitan. Inaugurated in 1998, the much anticipated event emphasizes the important role that sport plays in society. Sport has the ability to transcend being 'just games' through providing entertainment, promoting local economics and promoting healthy lifestyles. The Games have also become a successful sporting model for other South African provinces to follow.

The SALGA-KZN Games are capable of uniting people and promoting social cohesion. This reason is of significance in promoting interaction between the various district municipalities within KwaZulu-Natal. The aims of the Games are to:
• Build long term partnership and ties with other municipalities
• Promote sound inter-district relationships
• Promote social cohesion between district municipalities by using sport as a vehicle.

eThekwini Municipality is the proud host of the SALGA-KZN Games 2011. Events will be held at a number of locations including the King Zwelithini Complex, Kings Park Athletics Stadium, Hoy Park, George Campbell High School, Kings Park Swimming Pool, Olive Convention Centre, The City Hall and Windsor Golf Course. The official opening ceremony will be held on at 6pm Friday the 9th December at Sugar Ray Xulu Stadium, Umlazi. The opening ceremony will include a vibrant parade of the competing teams, interspersed with entertainers such as dancers, drummers and bands. The Awards and Closing Ceremony will be held at the Albert Luthuli Convention Centre on Monday 12 December at 6 pm. Much time and effort has gone in to ensuring that all the venues are ready and that the Games will be run smoothly by both SALGA KZN and the eThekwini Municipality.

Each year the Games are held in a different district municipality. The changing location ensures that different district municipalities are involved in the planning and management of sporting events. A further aim of the Games is to facilitate the development of sustainable sport infrastructure within municipalities. The Games are also a boost for local economies due to the need for catering, logistics and other services.

The Games have evolved from their origins in only one sporting code namely soccer and now consist of 15 codes: Rugby, cricket, swimming, ballroom dance, golf, soccer, volleyball, indigenous games, swimming, karate, netball, table tennis, athletics, boxing, and basketball. Sports events such as these showcase both the collective talent of the participants in the team events as well as the ability of individual competitors. Both men and women teams and individuals participate in many of these sporting codes.

Selection for the events takes place at a ward, local and district municipal level within KwaZulu-Natal. Through the qualifying events 30 000- 40 000 people compete, ensuring that mass participation in sporting activities occur. This method is especially important to people in previously disadvantaged areas, who may not often be provided the opportunity to compete in sporting events. The build- up to the games also creates an opportunity to identify sporting talents in the outlying areas of all district municipalities. Approximately 4000 competitors compete in the three days of the SALGA Games.

Both eThekwini Municipality and SALGA KZN look forward to hosting this exciting event. Spectators are welcome to attend any of the sporting events to cheer the teams and competitors on. Entry is free.

For more information contact the Municipal Spokesman, Mr. Thabo Mofokeng, on 031 311 4820 or 082 731 7456 or e-mail mofokengthabo@durban.gov.za.
Issued by the Communications Unit, contact Vuyo Gwala on (031) 311 4838 or 073 250 5704 or email gwalav@durban.gov.za.

Gayle McLennan-Smith 083 6530465
mclennan-Smith@telkomsa.net