The Star E-dition

4 major sporting events ready to make comeback in city

STAFF REPORTER

CITY of Joburg Finance MMC Matshidiso Mfikoe has announced the return of four major sporting events in the city.

The city has partnered with stakeholders who own rights to these major events to position Johannesburg as a sports destination of choice.

Mfikoe announced the series of events lined-up by the city and its partners, starting with the Joburg Open.

This year’s edition will see the return of spectators as the Covid-19 regulations allow for 2 000 fans for outdoor events.

Also featured on the list of events is the Joburg Ladies Open, 947 Ride Joburg and the Kyalami 9 Hour.

“For the City of Joburg, hosting these events, with all our strategic partners is a timely major boost to the country’s economy.

“The Joburg Ladies Open will be held at the Soweto Country Club from March 3-5, 2022. The rebirth of Soweto Country Club and its hosting of a professional tournament of this stature has been a shining example of what golf can do to uplift our community.”

Thomas Abt, the commissioner of the Sunshine Tour, announced that the 2021 Joburg Open, boasting a prize fund of R17.5 million, will be on from November 25-28 at Randpark Golf Club.

“The Joburg Ladies Open has also been co-sanctioned tournament between the Sunshine Ladies Tour and the Ladies European Tour, with a prize fund of €250000 (R4.2 million).”

Fritz Pienaar, the group managing director for Ride Joburg, announced that the 97km Cycle Challenge had found a new home at FNB Stadium in Johannesburg. It will be the start and finish point for this year’s edition.

“The world’s second-largest timed cycling race, after the Cape Argus Cycle Race, will see 10 000 cyclists take to the streets of Soweto on November 21. The route covers the Soweto Highway, passing the mine dumps, hugging Soweto before turning into Main Reef Road,” said Pienaar.

Sthe Mabanga, the managing director for Kyalami 9-Hour Race, said the race would be on December 3-4 at Kyalami Grand Prix Circuit, Midrand.

Georgina Lefifi, the group head: for Group Communication and Marketing in the city, said: “We are excited that after the sporting facilities have been off-limits for the past 19 months, the eased restrictions have provided us with the possibility of spectators returning to sporting events within prescribed regulations.”

The director of events in the city, Bongi Mokaba, said: “I was very worried when the Joburg Open contract with Sunshine Tour and European Tour ended last year after the successful hosting of the 2020 edition.

“However, the city’s leadership gave us hope when they gave us the go-ahead to negotiate a new contract that will see the city continuing to host the prestigious golf tournament from 2021 to 2023 during the Sunshine Tour and European Tour seasons.

“I am also excited to announce that the now Sunshine Tour and European Tour co-sanctioned tournament Joburg Ladies Open will be hosted from 2022 to 2024 during the Sunshine Ladies Tour and the Ladies European Tour season.”

She also revealed the three-year partnership agreement between the City and Ride Joburg from 2021 until 2023. She further announced another three-year partnership between the City and Kyalami 9-Hour Race from 2021 to 2023.

METRO

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2021-10-22T07:00:00.0000000Z

2021-10-22T07:00:00.0000000Z

https://thestar.pressreader.com/article/281663963209287

African News Agency