Issued by: Parliament of The Republic of South Africa
10 March 1997
PORTFOLIO COMMITTEE ON SPORT AND RECREATION
Message of congratulations to the Cape Town Olympic Bid Company
The Portfolio Committee on Sport and Recreation wishes to take this opportunity to congratulate the Cape Town Olympic Bid Company, the people of Cape Town and indeed of the whole South Africa, for making it through to the final five in the race for hosting the 2004 Olympic Games. We would especially like to congratulate the Bid Company for a highly commendable achievement which undoubtedly demanded a lot of hard work, dedication, courage and at times nerves of steel.
The next stage of the bid process dawned and it is the task of every single South African to support the bid in any possible way. We need to ensure that factors such as crime and violence are eradicated, and that the process is kept on track. Winning the 2004 Games must be a national priority. Everything indicates that hosting the event will benefit South Africa as a whole. Not only will we gain economically from hosting the event, but in terms of our human resources and the development of the country in general, will get an unprecedented boost. We cannot but urge all South Africans to support the bid.
The spontaneous and visibly ecstatic reception the IOC announcement received from within all sectors of the South African community, bears testimony to the support the Cape Town Bid enjoys. We firmly believe that Cape Town will rise to the occasion and that everything will be in place by the time the next IOC evaluation team arrives on our shores.
We would like to reiterate the words of our Deputy President at the adoption ceremony of our constitution, that it is a joy to be an African. To be part of the African continent as South Africans. Our quest for Olympic Glory is deeply rooted in the support from the continent, so that our victory will be a victory for Africa.
(signed) Lulu Xingwana
Chairperson