NMB gears up to host top athletes for IRONMAN
Published: November 04, 2021<< BACK TO NEWS
Preparations are underway in Nelson Mandela Bay for the 16th edition of the IRONMAN African Championships taking place in the Friendly City on 21 November 2021.
This comes after the event could not take place in 2020, due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Following the long wait, all NMB role players are excited and preparing to host yet another incident free sports event, adding to the recent successful sports events that were hosted by the City this year.
Amid the COVID-19 pandemic, the City has successfully hosted the COSAFA Women’s and Men’s Championships, rugby and football matches and recently the SA Lifesaving Championships.
On Wednesday, 3 November 2021, various role players including NMBM Metro Police, Traffic and Security Services, Disaster Management, Roads, Fire Department, Sports Recreation Arts and Culture (SRAC) joined external stakeholders including the South African Police Service to discuss the safety and security details in preparation for the big event.
NMBM SRAC Executive Director, Dr. Noxolo Nqwazi said: "We are expecting 1100 top athletes from all over the world and we are really looking forward to host these top athletes into our City. They are coming at a time when we have successfully hosted big sporting events amid the COVID-19 pandemic, and we have no doubt that they will enjoy their stay and the IRONMAN experience.”
"We would like to remind our residents that due to COVID-19 no spectators will be allowed at the beachfront or along the race course. Strict COVID-19 regulations will be adhered to and in line with these regulations, all the activities will concluded way before the 12am Lockdown Level 1 curfew comes into effect. The organisers have assured us that by 11:40pm on the day, activities will be done, and this pleases us as we don’t want to be part of events that may break the law.”
Dr. Nqwazi said it was important for residents to note that some of the roads they use will be closed on the day. - Please click here to download the Road Closure map
Keith Bowler, Managing Director of IRONMAN South Africa said: "After a long wait, we are thrilled to again host the IRONMAN African Championship in Nelson Mandela Bay. It feels odd to be hosting this event near the end of the year as opposed to racing in late March or early April as we traditionally do, however, we are grateful that the City has yet again allowed us this opportunity to do what we do best – host exceptional races. Although our event will look a little different with all the COVID-19 safety measures and protocols we have in place, however, athletes can still expect a top-class memorable event.”
Supporters are encouraged to catch all the action on the IRONMAN Tracker App (available on Android and iOS), social media channels and watch the SuperSport race highlights post-race.
Issued by the Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality Communications Office.
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