The 2011 South Africa Games taking place in the City of Polokwane in the Capricorn District is the fifth SA Games ever hosted by the Sport and Recreation South Africa (SRSA) and South African Sports Confederation and Olympic Committee (SASCOC).
We are convinced that this years’ chapter of the SA Games will epitomise a remarkable landmark in the history of the games. A remarkable landmark because the 2011 SA Games have been organised by a team of men and women with the vast experience and expertise emanating from the four successful hosting of the SA Games which the last was in Free State province.
The SA Games by their nature are designed to nurture youth talent based on the youth development character of the games. This is the process where our nation identifies talent and select excellence that, in future, can represent our country in international games. It is a vital platform for our young people to unlock their sporting potential whilst at the same time broadening access to participation to increase the participation into the high performance sport. These games, in actual fact, mark the present and future of South African sports personalities.
The young people who participate in these games and successfully complete the competitions with flying colours are afforded an opportunity to participate and represent our country at the international games including All Africa Games, Zone VI Games, Commonwealth Games and Olympics Championships.
Our aim, though, is to produce world class sport stars by exposing young South African athletes to high level competition in a multi-sport event. The games are also aimed at establishing a holistic and sustainable sport development agenda through the creation of an enabling environment for young people especially youth from disadvantaged backgrounds and neglected communities particularly girls and young people with disabilities of whom the majority are from rural areas.
However, as government, we expect the 2011 Games to generate maximum fun and enjoyment for the youth whilst promoting dedication and excellence. We want these Games to be a fountain for the promotion of inclusivity and unity of purpose in sport and recreation in the Republic.
We are calling on all South Africans to support our young athletes during the 2011 SA Games. We further call on all South Africans to converge at Peter Mokaba stadium on 2 October 2011 to witness the extravagant opening of the fifth SA Games. We are convinced that these games will go a long way in creating an enabling environment for all our athletes to excel.
I thank you.
