Gauteng Government to undertake major study into sporting events

This
feasibility study will assist the Provincial Government to develop a strategy
and plan for bidding and hosting of major events beyond the FIFA World Cup in
2010. This strategy will seek to support the province’s Globally Competitive
City Region and Growth and Development, and Competitive Sport
Strategies.

With
the region’s preparations for the World Cup moving smoothly on schedule (21 of
the World Cup matches will be hosted in Gauteng) the Gauteng Government and its
major urban centres of Johannesburg, Tshwane and Ekurhuleni, are now planning to
look forward beyond the World Cup to ensure that the region benefits fully from
its hosting of the world’s second largest sporting event.

The
Gauteng Government has commissioned the international sports consultancy TSE
Consulting to undertake this study on its behalf.

MEC
Barbara Creasy, the Minister of Sport in the region, said “Others may see the
arrival of the World Cup in our country in 2010 as the culmination of their
sporting dream, in Gauteng however we believe that hosting this great event will
signal the beginning of a new era for sport in the region. It is for this reason
that we are determined to ensure that we are fully prepared to capitalise on our
achievements in 2010 which is why we have commissioned this study
now”.

Lars
Haue-Pedersen, Managing Director of TSE Consulting said “Whilst naturally being
very honoured and delighted to have been awarded this important tender, we feel
that this is visionary thinking by the Gauteng Government. So often cities and
regions undertake the hosting of major international sporting events without
considering how such events can impact in the long term on the future planning
of that region. This study will provide Gauteng with a clear understanding of
the options which will exist for its international sporting future”.