PORT Alfred could become a host venue for the World Beach Games if last weekend’s Royal St Andrews Easter Festival can be developed and grown into a multi-sport event that passes muster by the Association of National Olympic Committees (ANOC).
This was the word from Gideon Sam, president of the South African Sports Confederation and Olympic Committee (SASCOC), who came to watch the events on Saturday.
He said South Africa was looking to host the World Beach Games under the auspices of ANOC, and Port Alfred had the potential of being a host venue.
The Royal St Andrews Easter Festival sporting extravaganza was a smashing success, with open water swimming, surfing, bodyboarding and rubber duck racing showcasing a variety of sports talent and providing a visual feast on Port Alfred’s beaches.
The festival was the brainchild of local organisers Zwelinzima Nkwinti and Dave Lawson, the first event under the banner of Amazing Events. It was made possible by the generous sponsorship of flagship sponsor Royal St Andrews Hotel and other business sponsors.
Sam said when Nkwinti and Lawson approached him he understood they would have to start out small, “but to host an international beach sport event you need just 10 sports – this event can grow”.
See the full story in this week’s Talk of the Town.
