Sports to aid tourism this Saturday
Ehlanzeni is aiming to boost tourism through sport when it hosts its third Sports and Tourism Day this weekend.
NELSPRUIT – In a bid to promote tourism to the region, Ehlanzeni District Municipality is hosting its third Sports and Tourism Day on Saturday.
Mr Johan Mavuso, MMC for local economic development, tourism and rural development at Ehlanzeni Municipality, said sport was critical to develop tourism since it was a drawcard in addition to the numerous attractions in the area. “The best way to promote tourism is to use sport,” he said during a press conference on November 20.
Aside from exhibitors, the day will feature a three-kilometre fun run in addition to a 10km and a 21,1km run. The road races, coupled with the exhibitions are meant to ensure maximum participation.The event will take place at Mbombela Stadium, where people living around the stadium will be afforded the opportunity to put their wares on sale. They will also be allowed to participate in the fun run free of charge, while the municipality plans to donate 40 pairs of running shoes to them.
Mavuso said that aside from the obvious health benefits of being fit, the event is also good for social cohesion and economic development. “Our aim is to market all the destinations in the district,” he said. “We want tourists to visit and keep hotels in business to retain their employees.”
Mr Steven von Bardeleben from the municipality’s communications team, said they believed that this year’s event would be more successful than last year’s, when 400 people had participated. “We already have more businesses interested to partner with us to market and promote the event,” he said.
Entry forms are available and can be submitted on the day of the race. It will open at 05:30. Costs are R30 for the half-marathon, R20 for the 10km and R10 for the fun run. Anyone who wants to donate old running shoes can bring them along to Lowveld Country Club (LVCC), the municipality’s main partner in organising the event, which will have a box ready at the venue.
Anyone who is interested to exhibit and market at a stall can contact Ms Nontsikelelo Kgomo on 013-759-8695.
