George wants to be a host town
It's not just Cape Town... George prepares too
GEORGE is putting in a serious bid to host a participating nation during the Soccer World Cup in 2010. The bid, funded by the George municipality, is part of the town’s strategy to become a sport tourism destination.
Municipality sport development officer Kidron Kaboni said the town had already done the groundwork and was working with the local and national soccer structures to ensure compliance.
“The studies are based on the fact that a nation would be accompanied by about 5 000 overseas visitors.”
Kaboni said the town would be competing with Worcester, Paarl and Beaufort West.
“We are in the fortunate position that we have an airport and have hosted several international events in the past few years, including the President’s Cup, the Women’s World Cup of Golf and the International Sevens Rugby Tournament.
“We have already proved that we can host international events and that we are willing to do what it takes to get things exactly right.”
“Our town also continues to grow. We have a strong economy and a good reputation regarding municipal management and service delivery.”
Although much preparation had already been done, he said the town was now waiting for bid guideline documents from the provincial government.
“The final go-ahead also has to be approved by the council. We believe it is important to wait until after the municipal elections, as the new council would have to carry the bid to the next level.”
He emphasised that the bidding process would have to be completed by end of June to allow for preparations to be done within four years.
“We have, for instance, identified at least three sport stadiums that could be used for practice games and team preparation, but they might have to be upgraded to meet international standards.”
Kaboni said getting the bid would be a major boost to the town and region’s economic prospects.
“We are hoping that we could secure a well-supported team such as England or Germany, which would draw many potential tourists.
Just the word-of-mouth value of 5 000 visitors would be invaluable.”
Athane Scholtz www.theherald.co.za
