As
excitement mounts after athletes from 69 countries already registered to compete
in the Ironman 70.3 World Championship in September, bilateral discussions
between Ironman officials and the Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality reinforced the
partnership.
Diana
Bertsch, Ironman 70.3 World Championship said she is excited to host this
triathlon showpiece in Nelson Mandela Bay, a city blessed with rich cultural tapestry and
natural beauty.
"I had
the opportunity to meet with the city management on Tuesday and it reinforced
our partnership. This enables us to host a fabulous event that will showcase the
highest standard Nelson Mandela Bay has to offer.
"This is a typical site visit for us and will be back and use the
opportunity when we are here to meet with people of the city every time and to
visit sites and drive the course to determine that preparations are on track.
"I had
an absolute fabulous morning and had the opportunity to be taken around some of
the incredible locations that you have here. One of them is the Donkin Reserve
where we will have a concert.
"This
will be so exciting for the athletes but probably more so for their families and
friends travelling with them,” she said.
Nelson
Mandela Bay Municipality Executive Mayor Athol Trollip assured Ironman 70.3
World Championship that the safety of athletes in Nelson Mandela Bay is
paramount and stated that steps were already taken to ensure that this principle
is practically applied.
"Thousands of athletes will come here to compete and we will ensure
that they train safely for the event and participate without any threats to
their safety.
"We
would like to expose the athletes to some of our iconic tourism offerings and
will put a brochure together of our products. A concert will be held at the
Donkin. Athletes will walk down the 67 steps on Route 67 to Vuyisile Mini Square
where a number of activities are planned to create a festive
atmosphere
"I am
fully committed to make this event a success together with my Mayoral Committee
and our ten Executive Directors to make sure that the needs for the athletes and
their professional requirements are met,” Mayor Trollip said.
Daily
patrols on routes used by cyclists started after a collaborative meeting between
the Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality, South African Police Services and private
security companies.
The
official logo for Ironman 70.3 World Championship Nelson Mandela Bay South
Africa, an astounding collaborative effort by local advertising
agencies has also been launched today.
A
number of qualifying slots are still available for September, 316 athletes from
the United States of America, 119 from Great Britain, 118 from Germany and many
more from 66 other countries.
Ends
Issued
on behalf of the Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality by Media Management Officer
Kupido Baron (082 780 2726 / 041 506 1500 / kbaron@mandelametro.gov.za /
@kupidobaron).