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Date : 15/05/2003
Source: Western Cape Provincial Government
Title: Van Schalkwyk: Receiving reward for W Cape's contribution to Cricket World Cup


EXTRACT FROM REMARKS BY THE WESTERN CAPE PREMIER, MARTHINUS VAN SCHALKWYK, UPON RECEIVING AN AWARD FOR THE WESTERN CAPE'S ROLE IN HOSTING THE 2003 ICC CRICKET WORLD CUP, Newlands Cricket Stadium, 15 May 2003

CRICKET WORLD CUP: TEAM WESTERN CAPE HITS A SIX

It is a great privilege and honour for me to receive this award tonight on behalf of the Provincial Government, but more specifically on behalf of all the people of the Western Cape. The remarkable success achieved by our province, in hosting the opening ceremony and eight matches of the Cricket World Cup, was the direct result of an exceptional team effort. Co-ordination and integration between all role-players from all spheres of government and with the community, took on new meaning as Team Western Cape delivered an exceptional performance in welcoming the world.

This success was the result of months of careful preparation, meticulous planning, and a lot of hard work by a dedicated, professional and enthusiastic group of people. A good example of this effort was the security priority team which was in place eighteen months before the tournament, representing the SAPS, SANDF, Airforce, all emergency and medical services, provincial and local government, cricket bodies, the Traffic Department and Metrorail. Following a comprehensive operational plan they succeeded in ensuring that every match and every event ran smoothly. The end result was that during the tournament in the Western Cape no major incidents were reported, on or off the field. This again demonstrated that our province is well geared and equipped to host world-class events.

The 2003 Cricket World Cup has also had extraordinary spin-offs for the Western Cape and South Africa. In February alone, 19 000 more overseas tourists visited South Africa than in the same month last year (an increase of 11,8%). A notable part of these additional visitors arrived from Cricket World Cup countries like the United Kingdom (8 000, 17% increase), India (4 200, 195% increase), Australia (1 000, 21% increase) and the Netherlands (1 000, 12% increase). With between 60 and 70% of these tourists visiting the Western Cape, our province's hospitality industry and overall economy has been given an enormous boost.

The Cricket World Cup also contributed significantly to sport development in the Western Cape. At present there is a R4,5 million legacy programme underway in areas like Khayelitsha, Hanover Park, Athlone and Heathfield. The programme also extends to the Boland (Daljosafat, Berg River, Wellington, New Orleans (Paarl)), where new turf wickets are being constructed in our formerly disadvantaged areas. Building on the partnerships of the tournament, this project is a partnership between the National Department of Trade and Industry, Sport and Recreation South Africa and the private sector.

Another real benefit was the skills gained by the 350 volunteers trained for the Cricket World Cup by our Western Cape Department of Cultural Affairs, Sport and Recreation. They acquired skills in handling of VIPs and protocol, media and public relations, and in security logistics. Some of these volunteers have already been used again at the recent Two Oceans Marathon, and their names have been submitted to the SA Sports Commission database for assistance at future events.

The most important spin-off of the Cricket World Cup, however, was not an immediate one. Nor is it one that can be easily measured in figures or rands. Cape Town, the Western Cape and South Africa were presented with a remarkably important marketing opportunity, especially when we played host to the opening spectacular at Newlands on 8 February. This show was watched by about 1,4 billion people worldwide.

With the Cricket World Cup the Western Cape and South Africa has shown that we are more than qualified and ready to host international, world-class events. We turn our gaze now to the bid for the 2010 Soccer World Cup. Our World Class Province stands ready to again welcome the world.

With our state-of-the-art convention centre opening next month, we are steadily becoming a prime destination on the international calendar of great events. By hosting world-class events in the Western Cape I believe that we are building a World Class Province for all our people and visitors.

I thank you for this award. The honour goes to the extraordinary people of the Western Cape.

Enquiries: Riaan Aucamp, Cell: 083-778-9923
Issued by the Office of the Premier, Western Cape Provincial Government

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