With the 2013 Super Rugby season not far off, Nelson Mandela Bay awaits the arrival of Super 15 Rugby on our shores with great anticipation. Access Management, the operators of Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium, hosted a Golden Ticket event last Wednesday, where local captains of industry got together, demonstrating their support for rugby in the Bay. Despite some rather inclement weather, the event proved to be a memorable one indeed.
The Golden Ticket event was designed to encourage Port Elizabeth business to get squarely behind local Rugby, by inviting them to declare their intent to take up the offer of corporate season ticket packages, (which are aimed primarily at empowering their workforce – and ultimately the community – and affording them an opportunity to be part of what is widely regarded as arguably the world’s toughest Rugby competition, which will be played right here in our midst). Several of the Metro’s largest corporations have already expressed their intent to become part of this incredibly exciting and rewarding venture, and they encourage other companies to do likewise, in an effort to ensure that Super 15 Rugby becomes a reality for ALL citizens of the Metro – as intended.
“What’s happening here in Nelson Mandela Bay has much more to do with our greater community, economy – our welfare and pride – than just with Rugby or sport. This is the kind of stuff that will mark change in our history books many years from now. But it is at this point – right now – that we need every bit of support and encouragement possible from every single son and daughter, and from every captain of industry in our area, to help us realise that change”, said EP Rugby Union President, and Chairman of the Southern Kings’ Super Rugby franchise, Cheeky Watson.
Proceedings last Thursday evening reached an interesting climax when invitees were treated to an inspiring simulation of a war-room speech by EP Kings skipper Luke Watson. He had the audience captivated by his motivational words which, in turn, were followed by further inspirational comments by coach of the EP Kings, Alan Solomons. Cheeky Watson too was on hand to deliver an important message.
The evening culminated with the guests being taken on a tour of the change-rooms and players’ tunnel – and Cheeky Watson’s parting words: “We’ve all been waiting for this. We’ve got it now – let’s get behind it”.
Alan Straton
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