With less than a month to go to the Netball World Cup (NWC2023) in Cape Town, the official Trophy Tour reached a particularly significant point on Monday.
Having travelled across the country over the last month, the famed trophy crossed from the Eastern to Western Cape provinces of South Africa – the Western Cape being its final destination before being handed to the NWC2023 champions when they are crowned on 6 August.
Even more significant was that the handover took place at the Tsitsikamma Khoisan Village – so honouring the indigenous inhabitants of South Africa. The Khoikhoi and San are believed to be among the oldest cultures in the world.
The crowd is excited to receive the Netball Trophy Tour Bus at the Tsitsikamma Khoisan Village#E.CTrophytour #netballworldcup pic.twitter.com/c8AMbupA5V
— GCIS - Eastern Cape (@GCIS_ECape) July 3, 2023
Apart from its pristine beaches, the Tsitsikamma area is well-known for its enticing tourist attractions, including one of the highest bungee jumps in the world at the majestic Bloukrans Bridge, and the Tsitstikamma Canopy Tours through Outeniqua Yellowwood trees that are up to 700 years old.
After a special celebration in Kareedouw with dignitaries, cultural groups and performances by local entertainers on Monday, the NWC trophy was taken to the Tsitsikamma Khoisan Village where Eastern Cape MEC for Sport, Recreation, Arts and Culture Nonceba Kontsiwe officially completed the handover to Anroux Marais, the Western Cape Minister of Cultural Affairs and Sport.
“The Western Cape Government is very happy and honoured to receive this trophy and to embark on a tour across our province to get all communities excited for the Netball World Cup,” said Marais.
“Cape Town is ready and looking forward to hosting the Netball World Cup for the very first time on African soil.
“Although all the matches are being played in Cape Town itself, we want to include the whole province in the build-up and actual tournament and so we are very happy that various municipalities have partnered with us to host fan zones and viewing centres.
“These will ensure that people across the province can watch the live matches for free at a venue close to their homes.
“During this trophy tour, we will also encourage people to watch the matches at these venues so that we can make sure that no-one is left out in supporting our home team,” added Marais.
The NWC2023 takes place at the Cape Town International Convention Centre from 28th July to 6 August 2023, with 16 teams from across the globe all vying for top honours.
Details on tickets and travel packages and more information are all available on the official tournament website (www.nwc2023.org.za) with a range of tickets and packages still available.