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2010 FIFA World Cup: two years to kick off
12 Jun 2008
On 11 June 2010, two years from now, all eyes of the world will be on South Africa, where the bells will ring for the FIFA World Cup to kick-off. Yesterday, Wednesday, 11 June 2008, local and international media were invited at SAFA House in Johannesburg by the Local Organising Committee (LOC) to hear the progress report of what has been done since mid-May 2004 and what is left to be done by SA to host a successful tournament.
“We have travelled a long road since September 1994 when we sent a letter to FIFA, confirming that we would like to enter the race to host the 2006 World Cup, which we lost to Germany thanks to Charles Dempsey's change of heart,” LOC CEO Danny Jordaan said.
“Today, 11 June 2008, represents exactly two years to kick-off the 2010 FIFA World Cup and it is just appropriate at this stage to reflect on important milestones on the journey to the first African FIFA World Cup.”
Accomplishments so far
Jordaan went on to elaborate on various accomplishments made so far since 15 May 2004 when FIFA awarded the 2010 World Cup to SA. From stadiums to hotels rooms, operational plans, International Broadcasting Centre (IBC) plans, appointment of event companies for closing and opening ceremonies, tourism and transport and environmental legacies and many more, he painted a positive picture but admitted that there are serious challenges to meet before the nation gets ready for the big day.
Again, he emphasised on what he called ‘excellent' opportunities that come with organising the world's biggest soccer event.
Business opportunities include broadcast rights, new media rights, sponsorship, media services, accommodation, security, event management, catering, travel and tours, hospitality (B&Bs, restaurants), memorabilia and many more.
Furthermore, Jordaan said that the process of registration of volunteers to work during the 2009 Confederations Cup and 2010 World Cup will begin on 1 July 2008 and end on 29 August 2008. At least 5000 volunteers will be needed for the two events.
Two categories of volunteers
Two categories of volunteers will be employed, namely specialist volunteers (those with expert knowledge and particular skills, such as language skills, IT and media skills), and general volunteers (those with a general sense of customer care).
Lastly, LOC unveiled a team of medical experts (Medical Advisory Team) who will be providing medical services in various areas of healthcare during the two upcoming events. The team will be led by Professor Martin Schwellnus of the University of Cape Town and the Sports Science Institute of SA.
When asked about his biggest worry, he said: “The escalation of costs. Unfortunately it is a reality that we cannot escape. It has an impact on you, me and everyone and whatever we do these days.”
About Issa Sikiti da Silva
Issa Sikiti da Silva is a winner of the 2010 SADC Media Awards (print category). He freelances for various media outlets, local and foreign, and has travelled extensively across Africa. His work has been published both in French and English. He used to contribute to Bizcommunity.com as a senior news writer.
