Major sporting events to inject more than R200million economic spinoffs
Published: February 07, 2023<< BACK TO NEWS
The Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality is affirming itself as an international sporting destination of choice by kicking off 2023 with a bang with at least 10 national and international sports events scheduled to take place in the first quarter of the year in the Friendly City.
The socio-economic spinoffs expected from these events are
at an estimated value of more than R200million with the accommodation,
transport and small and big businesses set to get a major boost as there will
be spending on services and products procured in NMB.
From international cricket action, to cycling, surfing and
athletics, the City is working around the clock to welcome thousands of
visitors from this month, which will give a boost to the hospitality industry
and see millions of rands generated in NMB.
The City is buzzing with excitement in preparation for the
ICC Women’s T20 World Cup matches that will take place at the St Georges Park
in Gqeberha.
NMBM Sport, Recreation, Arts and Culture Mayoral Committee
Member, Cllr Bassie Kamana said NMBM was proud to be a part this momentous
period as it will be the first time South Africa hosts the tournament.
MMC Kamana said: "When EP Cricket who have a long lease at
this Municipal facility, said to us they need funds to upgrade St George’s Park
so that it can comply to host national and international televised tournaments,
we put our money where our mouth is and injected the much needed funds.”
"To date, we have paid a large sum of the R30million, which
we believe the upgrades paid for by those funds have led to where we are today;
being chosen as a host City for the 2023
ICC Women’s T20 World Cup. Investing in our infrastructure is always a strategic
move as we are able to attract such tournaments which yield positive results
for us. We remain committed to being one of the best sporting destinations in
the country and internationally.”
The matches will take place 14 February to 20 February 2023
featuring South Africa, Australia, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, India and Ireland.
The NMBM sponsored Herald Cycle Tour, will make a come back
with the Mountain Biking race taking place in Addo on 12 February 2023,
followed by the Kiddies cycling race on the 18th while the main road cycling
race will take place on 19 February 2023.
Another NMBM sponsored sport event, the Nedbank Runified
50km race which has been awarded gold status from International Association of
Ultrarunners (IAU) as well as Elite label from World Athletics for 2023 will
see hundreds of national and international top athletes competing in Gqeberha
on 26 February 2023 to set new records and win their share of the total prize
of R1million.
"We have a jam packed sports calendar and our residents can
look forward to great entertainment and economic boost in our City. The much-anticipated
Ironman 70.3 and Ironman African Championships will take place from 4-5 March
2023 while the SA Lifesaving Championships will take place from 30 March- 5
April 2023,” Cllr Kamana said.
Other sports events on the calendar include:
- NMB Surf Pro taking place from 18- 19 March
- ABSA Run Your City Gqeberha race: 2 April 2023
- SA Open of Surfing: 12-14 May 2023
- NMBM ASA half Marathon Champs: 3 June 2023.
"We are looking forward to once again delivering incident
free events that continue to support the livelihoods of our people. We can not
wait to host the athletes and to ensure that they have amazing and memorable
experiences. The calendar is jampacked. There is something for everyone, from
the young to the old folks. As we start the year, let us take part in sports
activities and commit to healthy and active lifestyles,” said MMC Kamana.
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