The South African Sports Confederation and Olympic Committee (SASCOC) in partnership with the Free State Department of Sport, Arts, Culture and Recreation and Mangaung Municipality is launching a National Training Centre (NTC) in Mangaung on 7 August 2013.
The main purpose of establishing this venture is to assist SASCOC’s National Federations (NFs) who are paying exorbitant prices each time they require the services of a training camp at a privately run centre. This move will allow NFs access to training facilities, scientific and medical support services and referrals to specialists while at the camp. The use of the facilities will be at no cost to the NFs.
The SASCOC president, Mr Gideon Sam says, “According to our mandate, that of team preparation and team delivery, the NTC fulfils that role. The launch of the NTC is a culmination of years of consultation and discussion with stakeholders. We are happy that the Free State government saw it fit to support this initiative, which in all respect is a national endeavour to improve the performances of athletes at international level.”
“At SASCOC, we strive to create a conducive environment for sport in South Africa through improving and allowing easy access to our sporting infrastructure. Our aim is that the NTC aids positively to sport and allow athletes to perform at the best of their abilities,” added the SASCOC CEO, Mr Tubby Reddy.
MEC for Sport, Arts, Culture and Recreation in the Free State, Mr Dan Kgothule says; “My department together with SASCOC is bringing a National Training Centre to Bloemfontein whereby all the national teams will be prepared before they participate internationally.”
The Free State Premier, Honourable Ace Magashule reiterates, “The Free State Provincial government welcomes the opening of this training centre in Mangaung. We support any sport initiative that places our young people at the centre, as it drives them away from crime and sluggish lifestyles. We view sports as an effective tool in social change; it instils discipline and, patience in participants. Most importantly, the role of sports in nation-building cannot be over-emphasised. It has the power to accommodate people regardless of race, gender, age and creed. We take delight in the existence of centres like these in our province, as they positively promote societal values we expect our young people to engage in.”
“On behalf of the city of Mangaung, we are honoured to be selected as the anchor for the National Training Centre to be used to prepare our Athletes for the Olympics. Such an endorsement is certainly in line with our vision of positioning Mangaung as the centre of excellence in respect of sports tourism. Our central location and passion for the game puts us in an advantaged position to contribute towards sports development in the country. To demonstrate our commitment, the city is working in partnership with the provincial government to upgrade our sporting facilities to meet international standards,” says Executive Mayor of Mangaung, Cllr Thabo Manyoni.
The Free State Premier, together with his MEC for the Department of Sport, Arts, Culture and Recreation, and Executive Mayor of Mangaung will attend this launch to confirm and endorse their support in partnering with SASCOC on this initiative.
