The Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality received high praise for the efficient continuation of preparations for the 2018 Isuzu IRONMAN 70.3 World Championship this weekend, despite a change in political leadership on Monday.
This followed a presentation by Executive Director for Sport, Recreation, Arts and Culture, Noxolo Nqwazi, at the Council Chamber in the Port Elizabeth City Hall this morning.
Nqwazi, who spearheaded this project since early 2016, presented the municipality’s readiness to host the much-anticipated global showpiece to an Ironman delegation, Mayor Bobani, Deputy Executive Mayor Tshonono Buyeye, Speaker of Council Buyelwa Mafaya, Chief Whip Bicks Ndoni and the Mayoral Committee.
“We came a long way since the bidding process started in 2016, to adding final touches to our preparations for the swim, bike and run.
“Fan Parks in Gelvandale, Kwanobuhle, Motherwell and Walmer will bring the event much closer to communities with live coverage on big screens and entertainment.
“After the presentation, our visitors expressed their happiness that we are on track for the weekend and that everything is on track,” Nqwazi said.
The Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality participated in a competitive bidding process to host the event in May 2016, was shortlisted with Nice (France) and Budapest (Hungary) later.
In September 2016, Port Elizabeth was announced as the host city with the successful hosting of the Standard Bank Ironman African Championship – for the last fourteen years – a major contributing factor to the success.
Executive Mayor Bobani said the meeting affirmed the municipality’s intention to deliver a global showpiece with African flair and to fulfil all its obligations to Ironman, athletes and the residents of Nelson Mandela Bay.
“We passed the test of our political maturity with flying colours as no interruption will take place despite the change of political leadership.
“I convey my well-wishes to the Executive Director, the rest of the Local Organising Committee, Ironman, sponsors and all other stakeholders. We will reap the fruit of their hard work.
“I know you will fly the Nelson Mandela Bay flag high as a fitting gesture to commemorate the hundredth year of Nelson Mandela, the political icon our municipality is named after,” Mayor Bobani said.
NMB Communications
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